Author: Sofia Calicchio
During the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), Soroptimist International youth participated in and engaged with the CSW Youth Forum on 15 to 17 March 2024. Effective and significant participation of youth, the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in policy discussions, and the use of technology in improving accountability within institutions set the tone for the opening of Day one of the 2024 CSW Youth Forum held in the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
On the second day of the forum, youth participants gathered at the United Nations International School. Main discussion topics centered around youth empowerment and engagement, and participants were able to hear about youth power and the importance of cross-generational dialogue, mentorship, and transparency. As on the first day, participants could enjoy and appreciate a spoken-word performance on the second day. One of the morning panel speakers, Dr Crystal Leigh Endsley, highlighted that poetry is the most accessible way for women and girls of colour to engage with policy.
During the third day of the CSW Youth Forum, conversations and exchanges centered around exploring the synergies between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2030, and the Summit of the Future. After an opening presentation by the Major Group on Children and Youth on Summit of the Future processes, youth participants joined breakout rooms divided by the main themes to be discussed during the Summit of the Future.
Soroptimist International joined the ‘Meaningful Youth Engagement’ breakout group that was attended by global youth activists as well as the Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier. Soroptimist International’s Youth Delegate shared perspectives on the need for:
1) Increased funding for young people to participate in high-level conversations, especially unconditional funding, and being sensitive to the unique needs of youth
2) Implement pro-youth financial institutions focussing on decent work and quality employment for all young people.
After this engaging segment, the forum participants returned to the main auditorium to hear from prominent Summit of the Future figures, including UN Women’s Deputy Director, Lopa Banjeree, Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier, and UN Department of Global Communication’s Chief of the Civil Society Unit at the Civil Society and Advocacy Section, Hawa Diallo.
Overall, the CSW Youth Forum was an excellent space for youth connection and exchange. The opportunity to share ideas and recommendations with major players leading up to the Summit of the Future made the 2024 CSW Youth Forum invaluable.