Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to see so many youth delegates participating in today’s side-event of the Commission for Social Development. Your active engagement is very important given the priority theme this year. As you know, it is focused on inclusive and resilient recovery from COVID-19 for sustainable livelihoods, well-being and dignity for all: eradicating poverty and hunger in all its forms and dimensions to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The work of youth in this context is crucial. Not only as representing the voice of the future, but also given the vast challenges that young people face today.
Over the last decade, young people’s participation in the work of the United Nations has flourished. The 缅北禁地strongly supports meaningful youth engagement, youth development and participation, which can be seen – not only within 缅北禁地entities – but also in the work of Member States and intergovernmental bodies across the 缅北禁地system.
Moreover, an increased commitment toward youth is evident in the priorities reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including in several of the targets and indicators. It is also evident in the work of the Security Council, in the area of youth, peace, and security.
The growing focus on youth is also reflected in the increasing number of Member States sending youth delegates such as yourselves, to the United Nations, to be included in important discussions.
Young people have noted, for example, the critical social dimensions of the transformation of food systems. The Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 缅北禁地DESA, continues to highlight these important contributions, including through the 2021 International Youth Day this past summer. The Youth Day underscored youth innovative solutions as a contribution to the transformation of food systems, while addressing human and planetary health. Such synergies are critical to ensuring implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Indeed, with the world’s population expected to increase by two billion people in the next 30 years, simply producing a larger volume of food will not ensure our wellbeing. There is a need to address rural poverty, malnutrition, chronic diseases, farmer’s rights, gender equality, social inclusion, and the climate crisis. These are all interlinked in the creation of sustainable food systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exposed more clearly, the challenges and inequalities today’s young people have been facing, for too long.
As youth delegates, you are part of important intergovernmental processes, including in this year’s priority theme in the Commission for Social Development, and in how youth contribute to strengthening multilateralism to deliver well-being and dignity for all. Youth have also recognized that innovations can advance the 2030 Agenda and reduce inequalities, particularly those that have come to light during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 缅北禁地can be a platform to address common issues in an equitable manner.
As youth delegates, you provide a key connection between the United Nations and the youth in your home countries. You can make an impact by taking action back home, through partnerships with your youth structures, governments, and other civil society organizations. Above all, you are young leaders working towards addressing and solving pressing issues.
I wish to reiterate that you have DESA’s full support in your endeavors as youth delegates.
I wish you a successful session. I thank you.