Blog of Shaleen Wanjiru & Mary Muia SI UN Representatives, Nairobi.
The recent UN Civil Society Conference (UNCSC) in Nairobi marked a significant step towards shaping the “Future We Want.” This gathering of diverse voices, with a strong contingent of young activists, served as a crucial springboard for the upcoming Summit of the Future in September.
Shaleen Wanjiru Attending UNCSC Session
Youth at the Helm
One of the most inspiring aspects of the UNCSC was the emphasis on youth participation. Young leaders from across the globe came together to share their perspectives and demand action on pressing issues like climate change and social justice.
Discussions centreed around the crucial role young people play in building a more sustainable and equitable future. Here are some key takeaways.
Youth as Changemakers:
The future, but active agents of change in the present. Their innovative ideas and unwavering dedication are vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Meaningful Participation: The UNCSC called for increased youth engagement in decision-making processes. This signifies the importance of creating platforms where young voices are heard and valued.
- Investing in Youth: Discussions emphasised the need for greater investment in youth development programs that equip young people with the skills and resources they need to become effective leaders.
The Pact for the Future: A Promise to Youth
The UNCSC played a crucial role in shaping the “Pact for the Future,” a key document for the Summit of the Future. This pact is expected to include specific commitments to:
- Amplify Youth Voices: The pact is expected to outline strategies for ensuring youth participation in shaping global policies and solutions.
- Youth-Led Solutions: The document will likely acknowledge the importance of supporting youth-led initiatives that address challenges like climate change and poverty.
- Education and Empowerment: Investing in youth education and skills development will be a key focus area within the pact.
Building Bridges: The “Youth and Intergenerational Engagement” Coalition
The energy from the UNCSC continued with the impactful “Youth and Intergenerational Engagement: Collective Action for Youth, Adolescents and Older Generations” coalition event. This gathering highlighted the importance of collaboration across age groups:
- Bridging the Gap: The event fostered dialogue and understanding between young people, adolescents, and older generations. This intergenerational collaboration is crucial for building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
- Shared Solutions: By working together, diverse perspectives can be combined to develop innovative solutions to global challenges.
Shaleen Wanjiru and Mary Muia attending the Youth Impact Coalition Session
The Future We Want: A Collective Effort
The UNCSC in Nairobi set a powerful precedent for the “Future We Want.” By prioritising youth participation, the conference ensured that the voices of future generations are heard. Now, as all roads lead from Nairobi to New York for the September Summit of the Future, the focus shifts to translating these promises into concrete action plans. It’s up to us all – young and old – to work together to build a more just and sustainable world for all.