During the High-Level
Segment of the 71st UN General Assembly, an unprecedented number of world
leaders emphasized in their national statements the role of youth in shaping a
better future. Specifically, 59 Member States highlighted the importance of youth
development and participation, recognizing young people’s contributions to the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to international peace and
security.
This was the case for
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who called for the creation of a specialized
UN agency on youth development or Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who
invited young people to take part in the 19th World Festival of
Youth and Students, set to take place in Sochi in October 2017.
In his statement,
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underscored the UN’s efforts in tapping the
energy of young people worldwide. And Peter Thomson, President of the 71st
General Assembly, emphasized the need to teach young people about the
Sustainable Development Goals. This, he said, can be realized only by changing
the mindset and behavior that originate from some of the core values of
society.
Here are the
highlights from some of the statements made by the heads of delegation during
this General Assembly’s open debate.
Russian Federation: In his address,
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, invited young people to the 19th World
Festival of Youth and Students to take place in Sochi in October 2017,
stressing the work needed with and for youth regarding their safety and
future. “It is necessary before it is too late to dwell on the task to
prevent the proliferation of terrorist and extremist ideology, which literally
holds the youth hostage in various regions of the world. We are drafting a UN
Security Council resolution aimed at mobilizing efforts to eliminate this evil
and looking forward to your support of our initiative.”
Brazil: President Michel Temer highlighted the need
for stronger support to young people’s education in his country. “We
must also turn our eyes to minorities and other more vulnerable segments of our
societies. This is what Brazil has done, by means of cash transfer
programs and better access to housing and education, including financing for
students from poor families.”
Chad: President Idriss Deby Itno addressed the
challenge of migration and the dangers many young Africans face when attempting
their journeys to Europe. He called for action to stop migrant deaths, giving
young people better opportunities at home, thus avoiding the risky crossings. “On
a daily basis we are witnessing waves of young Africans migrating to Europe,
with thousands of them dying drowning.”
United States: In his statement, President Barack Obama
praised young people’s commitment to education and entrepreneurship, as well as
their strong feelings of empathy toward others. “Entrepreneurs need to
access information in order to invent young people need a global education in
order to thrive. I have seen that spirit in our young people, who are more
educated and more tolerant, and more inclusive and more diverse, and more
creative than our generation who are more empathetic and compassionate towards
their fellow human beings than previous generations.”
Qatar: Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani
discussed the rise of violent extremism and the recruitment of youth in
violent groups, noting that what is needed to effectively address this
challenge is a holistic approach. “In order to protect the youth who are
being targeted by the extremist groups, the fight against terrorism must not be
confined to the security dimension, which per se is essential, but must also go
far beyond that to promote the values of tolerance, culture of plurality and
dialogue.”
Argentina: President Mauricio Macri addressed the
challenge of climate change, noting that young people are key players in
actions taken toward tackling this global threat. “Only being really
conscious of this we can progress without jeopardizing our future and future
generations. In Argentina we are working on a very ambitious proposal.”
Malawi: President Arthur Peter Mutharika focused on
job creation as the best response to young people migrating from their homes
and to them joining radical groups. “And the economy is progressively
generating jobs, most needed by the youths. This will generate the necessary
jobs to retain the youths in the continent and propel our economies to
sustainable growth and prosperity. Such investments will also reduce the risk
of our youth being lured into radicalism and extremism, with the attendant
threat to domestic and international peace and security.”
Nigeria: In his statement, President Muhammadu
Buhari, called for the establishment of a specialized UN agency for youth
development, adding: “We acknowledge the importance of youth in national
development and remain committed to harnessing the potential of the increasing
youth bulge.”
Jordan: King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of the
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan recognized the important role young Jordanians play
in the country’s public sphere by actively participating in national
parliamentary elections. “It represents an achievement that is largely
credited to our citizens – especially our young people – who have stubbornly
held onto Jordan”s heritage of unity, strength, and forward-looking spirit in
spite of the odds. And it is these very odds that make these elections a true
triumph of progress over regression.”
Switzerland: In his statement, President Johann
Schneider-Ammann made reference to access to employment for all sectors of
society, including young people. “A thriving economy facilitates access for
youth, women and workers to better employment opportunities.”
Fiji: Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Josaia Voreqe shared
Fiji’s example in terms of creating education tools to empower youth toward
building a sustainable future. “We are equipping Fijian young people with
the knowledge and skills to have satisfying, sustainable livelihoods and
contribute to our nation’s progress.”
Poland: President Andrzej Duda drew a direct link
between young people and sustainable development. “In our efforts to build peace
and sustainable development we set great store by education of children and
young people.”
South Africa: President Jacob Zuma
recalled key developments in South Africa’s history, such as the 1976 youth
uprisings, which “highlighted and cemented the role of young people in
fighting for liberation and a better society.” This example, he stated, is
similar to the theme of this year’s General Assembly debate on “Sustainable
Development Goals: A universal push to transform our world,” recognizing the
power of youth in improving our world.
Slovenia: President Borut Pahor called for education
of young people as a key element in resolving present and future challenges. “In
order to cope with social and technological challenges it is necessary to start
with the education of youth. In this regard Slovenia has become a model nation,
a world-leading example in paving the way for open education on a national
scale.”
Panama: President Juan Carlos Varela emphasized
measures adopted by Panama in improving the security, education and human
development of children and youth. “Our social housing programs and
workshops for youth at risk are transforming the neighborhoods and
communities of our country, with a new model of human development, with a
vision of State, social criteria and without partisan political distinctions.
With strategic alliances in education, partnerships with the private sector so
that our youth can get jobs with good wages.”
Namibia: President Hage Geingob recalled “the fact
that the implementation of this Agenda (2030) is imperative if we are to
safeguard the security of our future generations.”
Kenya: Vice-President William Ruto underscored
Kenya’s focus on youth and women, noting: “Like many governments in
developing countries, the challenge of integrating youth and women in our
societies and economies remains a daunting one.”
Myanmar: Foreign Affairs Minister Aung San Suu Kyi
outlined the main objectives of Myanmar’s “people-centered and inclusive
policy,” such as “national reconciliation, job creation and preservation
of natural resources, capacity building and creating opportunities for the
young.”
Croatia: President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic called
for education reform that enables young people to keep up with today’s challenges.
“Our goal as leaders is to empower our youth through education and to give
them opportunities to be the catalysts of transformation and progress youth as
the guardians of the Agenda 2030. Education, knowledge, and tolerance are more
than just the tools of choice when dealing with political and social
discrimination, exclusion and preventing violent extremism and terrorism.”
Sri Lanka: President Maithripala
Sirisena called for meaningful youth empowerment: “I emphasize my commitment
to empower our youth with the best knowledge in the world and to make Sri Lanka
an exemplary democracy in the world.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Chairman of the Presidency Bakir Izetbegovic recognized some of the key
challenges faced by young people today, calling for better and more focused
responses. “We must work harder to eliminate discrimination, prejudice and
xenophobia in our societies, reduce poverty and inequality, improve education
and expand opportunities, especially for our young generations.”
Estonia: President Toomas Hendrik Ilves brought
migration to the table, focusing on its consequences for children and
youth. “Migrant children are at the heart of migration influx. Children on
the move or otherwise affected by migration are by far the most vulnerable
group, who, lacking agency, face limited access to justice, social and health
services. And hence often suffer horrible abuse.”
Gambia: Vice-President Isatou Njie Saidy addressed
the issue of employment and how Africa’s future is linked to women’s and youth
empowerment. “International cooperation that would create jobs for the
youths should no longer be a slogan, but a calculated strategy to keep them at
home in gainful employment that will enhance their well-being and ensure the
development of their countries.”
Ethiopia: Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn made
reference to the role of social media as a tool for extremists and radical
groups: “We are seeing how misinformation could easily go viral via
social media and mislead many people, especially the youth who are our future.”
Romania: Prime Minister Dacian Julien Ciolos raised his voice against terrorism, calling for strategies that make violent extremism less attractive to young people. “Terrorist groups cannot be countered only through military action, but also by reducing its attractiveness to its followers, particularly the young people. We need to address the root causes that allowed them to develop in the first place.”
Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina focused
on the challenge of violent extremism, too. “Our women, youth, families
and communities can be our vanguards in offsetting extremism and
radicalization.”
Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted
young people’s challenges in accessing employment opportunities,
underscoring the importance of education in addressing this challenge. “I
heard from young Canadians who were frustrated. Who told me that they couldn’t
get a job because they don’t have work experience, and they couldn’t get work
experience because they don’t have a job. We’re going to invest in education,
because it gives the next generation the tools they need to contribute to the
world economy and succeed.”
Justin Trudeau, Prime
Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Youth of Canada.
Thailand: Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha
underlined the link between access to education and increased economic
opportunities for young people. “On education, the Government has a
compulsory education programme to ensure basic education for all, with a view
to increase economic opportunity for children and youth in the Kingdom.”
Sierra Leone: President Ernest Bai
Koroma underscored Sierra Leone’s strong focus on youth empowerment. “Most
of my government’s programmes are youth-oriented, ranging from education to
health, community development, and employment. A record number of appointments
of youths and women into top-level decision-making positions.”
Madagascar: President Hery Martial Rajaonarimampianina
noted how youth and women are central to all of Madagascar’s public policies
and called for other countries to follow suit. “We call for collective
momentum of all countries to join hands to supporting the development of
policies for young people.”
Norway: In her remarks, Prime Minister Erna Solberg
focused on the importance of education, recalling that “today, 263 million
children and young people are out of school, and the number is growing. Last year,
together with the Presidents of Chile, Indonesia and Malawi, and the Director
General of UNESCO, I initiated the establishment of the International
Commission on Financing Global Education Opportunity.”
Iraq: Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi underscored ways
to tackle the challenge of extremism, underscoring the need to address growing
frustration among youth. “To combat this scourge, which has spread amongst
youth and exploited the feeling of discontent amongst them, requires a real
stand from countries and organizations to review the programs and educational
curriculums, and to remove these feelings of frustration and to absorb these
youths and to cut the way for any attempts to reform such terrorist
organizations in the future.”
Bulgaria: President Rosen Plevneliev highlighted the
link between young people and sustainable development. “Bulgaria for its
part was actively engaging civil society, young people, and the private sector
and was focusing on building up the ‘green-economy.’ Bulgarian schools
have even introduced curricula to teach young kids about sustainable
development. Children should be at the heart of global action.”
Burkina Faso: President Roch Marc
Christian Kabore recognized how the work and potential of Burkina Faso’s
people, “including [our] youth, have shown, in this occasion, a
large maturity and prove, that nothing and no one, can interfere [with] the
soft justice and liberty of conscience.”
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia:
President Gjorge Ivanov emphasized the challenge of young people feeling the
consequences of policies that were not adopted by them in the first place. “Young
people around the world still do not have equal opportunities for equality
education and employment, but they equally feel the cruel rules of international
market. We have been the ones to decide on the future of youth, without
allowing them to be part of the decision-making process. This is perhaps the
reason why many global, regional and local policies were not supported by young
people and remained on paper only. It is high time for this to change. We need
policies not only about youth, but with their participation. We need policies
for youth by youth.”
Kazakhstan: President Erlan Idrissov underscored the
link between young people and better investment in education. “Kazakhstan is
investing more than 50 million US dollars in educating Afghan students,
building schools and hospitals and providing humanitarian assistance.”
Equatorial Guinea: Foreign Minister Agapito
Mba Mokuy focused on the economic challenges and opportunities of young people
in his country. “In the economic sector, Equatorial Guinea focused on
diversifying the productive sector, creating employment opportunities for young
people in areas like industrial fishing, agriculture and hydrocarbons –
everything to have a better quality of life.”
Paraguay: Foreign Minister Eladio Ramón Loizaga
highlighted the immense potential that young people have to offer, noting how
“young people are the most important human capital and asset for any county and
for Paraguay as one of the Latin America most youth[ful] populations [youth] is
a big asset.”
Guinea: President Alpha Conde focused his remarks on
extremism and the need to create employment opportunities for young people. “The
elaboration and implementation of public policies should fully integrate job
creation and economic opportunities for the most vulnerable layers, women and
youth in particular, for their effective inclusion in social and economic life,
and raise the value of their potential.”
Niger: President Mahamadou Issoufou underscored
Niger’s reforms, which are heading the country toward a more sustainable
future. “A Niger where oil jobs, especially for young people, will be
plentiful. Finally a Niger fully engaged in unification of our continent. In
brief, a Niger fully engaged in the realization of the Sustainable Development
Goals.”
Luxembourg: Prime Minister Xavier Bettel stressed “It”s
important to focus on training and the creation of jobs, as part of inclusive
national development policies that can harness the Africa’s human and natural
resources.”
Hungary: Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó spoke about
his country’s support to young Syrians. “Hungary has contributed 3 million
euros to the Madad Fund, made a 5 million euro pledge to build a hospital in
Syria and offered a special scholarship program for youngsters from Syria to
Hungary.”
Mali: President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita emphasized
youth unemployment as one of the greatest challenges currently faced by
society. “These include the fight against climate change, protection of the
environment, education, social protection, employment creation for youth and
women.”
Lesotho: Prime Minister Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili
underscored the need to harness young people’s energy and potential in
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. “Young people are always
at the receiving end of the economic down-turn anytime it occurs, yet they are
endowed with intellect, energy and the exuberance of youth which can be
harnessed for development in the long term.”
Andorra: Prime Minister Antoni Martà Petit declared:
“If we educate our young people as citizens of a global world, we will be
laying the foundations for a much more open, cooperative and fair world.”
Timor-Leste: Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araújo
highlighted the role of youth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. “We are further committed to show our youth, the future
generation, how important their role is in achieving the SDGs, to which we all
must contribute and from which we all derive dividends.”
Saint Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Timothy Harris issued a clear
call for meaningful youth empowerment. “Of critical importance to the
transformation of our world is the empowerment of our youth. By providing
opportunities for their constructive engagement in critical matters that
directly affect them and society, we can transform their frustration to
meaningful empowerment.”
Swaziland: Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso focused on
creating better opportunities in terms of technical and vocational
training. “The state will direct efforts towards the introduction of
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as well as the redesign, and
presentation, of technical vocational and training education and
entrepreneurship in the primary school curriculum to inculcate a culture of
innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship at a tender age.”
Malaysia: Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
highlighted his country’s support to young people and entrepreneurship, noting
that one of this year’s Young Leaders for SDGs is a young man from Malaysia. “Malaysia
is also in the process of formulating the national SDG Roadmap establishing a
broad base and inclusive committee to oversee the implementation and monitoring
of the SDGs and strengthening the data requirement for the SDGs. We are
not only preparing the youth for the labor market, but also preparing human
capital for nation building. Malaysia is also no stranger in the area of
multilateralism, and I’m referring to our very own Malaysia Hospital Beyond
Boundaries, as well as a volunteer organization and NGO. This is a non-profit
organization that provides healthcare facilities for unprivileged communities
led by UN Young leader participant, Dr. Lutfi Fadil Lokman.”
United Arab Emirates: Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed
Al-Nahyan highlighted the creation of institutions to combat extremism as
a useful tool to protect and reintegrate young people who have been polarized
by radical groups. “We have established the Hedayah Center to combat
extremism, and participated with the United States of America in creating the
Sawab Center.”
Grenada: Foreign Minister Elvin Nimrod explained his
country’s approach to targeting youth issues. “Our youth experiences are not
only driven by lack of employment or poor working conditions, but must include
access to health services and decent opportunities. We must ensure that we
build the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake economic activities with
an emphasis on vocational training, entrepreneurial skills and innovations for
our youths.”
India: Minister for External Afffairs Sushma Swaraj
focused on India’s efforts empowering young people through technology training
and education opportunities. “Digital India is transforming the
country. Under the Skill India initiative, a number of programmes are underway
to enable youth to reap the demographic dividend. These initiatives have added
a new dimension to India’s growth story, making it the fastest growing major
economy in the world at a time of slow global growth.”
Bahamas: Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell called
for the comprehensive integration of young people in his country’s economy. “We
have turned our attention now to remedial measures to ensure that they do not
fall farther behind. This is within the larger fight for the integration of all
young people, men and women, into the formal economy.”
Eritrea: Foreign Minister Osman Mohammed Saleh drew
on recent actions taken in his country in creating opportunities for young
people. “Favorable conditions are being created to provide youth with
ample opportunities for quality education, vocational skills, decent living
conditions and active political participation.” He then continued by
calling for more international engagement with young people, especially those
affected by migration.
Trinidad and Tobago: Foreign Minister Denis Moses also addressed
the issue of violent extremism. “We remain concerned about the global
trend of young people falling victim to recruitment by extremist groups both by
way of online recruitment and other forms of proselytization.”
United Republic of
Tanzania: Foreign Minister
Augustine Philip Mahiga made it clear that young people’s potential ought to be
harnessed, not in a distant future, but today. “Youth are of great
importance to the development of a nation. They are not only the leaders of
tomorrow, but also the partners of today. Ignoring them can result in a
catastrophe as they are easily lured into activities that are non-beneficial
and detrimental to the society such as a drug trafficking and joining radical
groups and terrorist cells.”
Denmark: Ib Petersen, the Danish Permanent
Representative, underscored the importance of young people’s contributions to
sustainable development and decision-making processes, noting that “young
people possess an enormous potential and must be involved in the work ahead.”
Togo: Permanent Representative Kokou Kpayedo
emphasized the African continent’s potential to achieve the SDGs by harnessing
the large potential that young people can offer, stressing the “huge
possibilities for profound transformation of our world through youth,
demography and dynamic growth.”
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