缅北禁地

Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs,
Excellencies,
[My dear] Youth Friends,
Distinguished Colleagues,

I am delighted to welcome you to this important event on empowering youth for sustainable development.  Thank you for joining us.  I also thank ASG Paullier for being with us today and thank him and his team for their partnership and collaboration.  

I am also very pleased to see the l presence of our 缅北禁地partners, and youth activists and representatives here today. 

For the three groups of countries that my office supports - the Least Developed Countries, the Landlocked Developing Countries, and the Small Island Developing States - this is an especially critical time.  

Together they make up 92 of the most vulnerable countries in the world and bearing the heaviest brunt of the ongoing multiple and overlapping global crises.   Yet, these countries also present tremendous opportunities as they are blessed with a huge youth population.  

The international community adopted the 10-year Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs in 2022; the Antigua & Barbuda Agenda for SIDS was adopted a few weeks ago in May; and later this year, we will adopt a new Programme of Action for the LLDCs.  All these POAs recognize the potentials of their youth population in achieving their development and in implementing these POAs.  

As we begin implementing the Programs of Action (POAs) and embark on decade-long development journeys, it is imperative to ensure that the youth are fully integrated in this process to achieve the goals set forth in these POAs and the 2030 Agenda.

Without a doubt, youth are powerful agents to drive the sustainable development agenda.

At the LDC5 Conference in Doha last year, we witnessed firsthand the profound impact of youth voices.

Young advocates presented innovative solutions to pressing issues faced by LDCs, ranging from climate change to economic instability.  

The Youth Declaration adopted in Doha reflected young people's vision for a better future and their commitment to delivering on its promises.

Similarly, at SIDS4 Conference, the youth ensured that the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS includes a clear emphasis on their role in driving forward the SIDS agenda.

Looking ahead to the Third 缅北禁地Conference on LLDCs - LLDC3 - to be held in Gaborone, Botswana, in December – we will convene the LLDC3 Youth Forum, which will be a critical platform for young people from LLDCs to influence the policies and strategies that will shape their futures. 

I am pleased to see some of the members of the LLDC3 Youth Advisory Group here with us today. 

I would also like to acknowledge the Youth Declaration for LLDCs prepared by the Youth Advisory Group, which we expect to be endorsed in Botswana. This declaration embodies the vision, priorities, and recommendations of our youth, and it will significantly contribute to our discussions and decisions at the conference.

I thank you for your hard work, and I count on you as vital partners in making the LLDC3 Youth Forum a resounding success.

Today's event will serve as a platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate to amplify the impact of youth-led innovations on the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of the respective Programmes of Action for LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS. 

I am pleased to see that you will explore critical areas where youth are making significant impacts: (on) socioeconomic development and debt; ICT and digital innovation; and environment and climate change. 

Allow me to share a few thoughts on these three overarching areas:

First, on socioeconomic development and debt: 

The evidence is there - a young population brings numerous opportunities for economic growth and innovation. 

However, LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS suffer from high levels of public debt that limit government investment in critical areas - including in quality education and employment opportunities, that are so critical for the future of young people.

We need innovative financial solutions and international support to alleviate the crippling debt burden on vulnerable nations.

Second, on ICT and digital innovation:

Digital technologies can bridge divides, promote inclusive economic growth, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship among young people. 

Youth are the driving force in ICT implementation, playing a crucial role in harnessing these technologies to create new opportunities and solutions. Yet LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS lack access to reliable internet and digital technologies, hindering their ability to participate in the global digital economy. 

Enhancing ICT infrastructure and providing digital literacy programs will be a critical element to accelerating SDGs and achieving the development aspirations.

Third, on environment and climate change: 

Young people all over the world will inherit the impacts of the present climate crisis. Their future depends on the decisions made today. 

If we fail to reverse the current climate catastrophes, the youth of today will be disproportionately affected, threatening their livelihoods and future. 

So, it is no surprise that young people are among the fiercest voice when it comes to climate change. My office stands with you, and we will continue to advocate for robust climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, and for the meaningful involvement of youth in environmental decision-making processes.

Let me conclude by reiterating the critical importance of young people's contributions and participation in shaping the sustainable development agenda in the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS. 

Your energy, creativity, and determination are the driving forces behind the positive change we seek.

Thank you for your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment.