THE 20th UN YOUTH ASSEMBLY at THE UN HEADQUARTERS, New York, August 2017
The 20th Youth Assembly kicked off, with the theme “Society for All: Equity and Inclusion for a Sustainable Future.” In attendance were over 1000 youth from 110 countries, all passionate about contributing to a more peaceful, equal, and environmental friendly society. The UN considers this to be the largest and most interconnected youth population in history. While young people are among those constantly affected by global challenges, they remain at the forefront of innovation and change with their unique set of skills and perspectives. Their participation, therefore, is fundamental to addressing the world’s most pressing issues, such as poverty, injustice and climate change.
There were several workshops conducted, presentations made and mentorship sessions held. These were all centered on the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development with the principle of “leaving no one behind”. The gathering provided an avenue for discussion, engagement and interaction on different initiatives Youth are engaged with in their communities. Many of the Youth in attendance have founded grassroots initiatives mainly in their home countries and are agents of change. I was greatly moved by the awardees of this 20th Session of the Youth Assembly. From a young Liberian who led the anti Ebola fight, to a Yemeni who is raising awareness on the need for education, to a Ghanaian who has founded an initiative aimed at raising awareness on mental illness in his community, one could easily notice their involvement with the grassroots communities and effecting change from their won settings, depending on the needs of their respective societies.
The gathering was centred on four interrelated tracks-social, economic, environmental and youth, all geared at creating more space for dialogue, partnership and collaboration in driving inclusive and sustainable development at both local and global scenes. I could confidently say, the Youth are working at building bridges and shaping communities and a society that is inclusive for all.
Tony Ssembatya Kimbowa,
IACD Delegate to the UN-New York and Board member for Sub Sahara Africa
Photo: The writer-left with a delegate from Philippines.
