“I will continue to stand with you as we shape a more prosperous, equitable and stable future for all,” he SAYS in a video message to launch his latest Youth Development Report.
The world faces many and far-reaching crises, including conflicts, climate change, poverty, inequality and discrimination, he said, and “no one has a bigger stake – and no one has more courage.” solution to offer – rather than young people.”
Youth Strategy2030
Five years ago, the UN launched a strategy to guide joint action with and for young people until the end of the decade.
The third progress report on Youth2030 The strategy was launched during a side event at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) of Sustainable Development initiated by the UN Headquarters.
Mr. Guterres said the report revealed encouraging results, with 55 UN entities and 131 UN Country Teams actively supporting youth programs with governments and civil society around the world.
“We are establishing a new United Nations Youth Office at the UN Secretariat to advance advocacy, coordination, and accountability for and by young people,” he added. “And we are committed to doing more.”
Meaningful engagement with young people
In April, the Secretary-General published a short policy which calls for a global standard for meaningful youth engagement in decision-making, and establishing national youth consultations as well as a UN Youth Townhall.
The brief also highlights the importance of new ways of involving youth at the intergovernmental level, and in intergovernmental mechanisms, including UN deliberation and decision-making processes.
“We need to make youth participation the norm, rather than the exception, in decisions, policies and investments,” he said.
Hope for the future
He taught the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit in September, and the related Future Summit next year, as an important opportunity to improve these efforts.
Mr. Guterres said he continues to be inspired by the ideas and energy of young people, saying “you give me hope that we can put the world back on the path towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”