Young people are leading us towards a fearless world. Together, they are standing up and fighting for a world free of poverty, racism, sexism, ableism and all forms of violence, inequality, and discrimination. For LGBTIQ+ youth, this is a fight for survival as they are more likely to experience rejection and discrimination. With great courage and resilience, young LGBTIQ+ people are leading change and standing up for a future that is safe, respectful, empowering and celebrates the beautiful diversity of humankind. UN Human Rights works to help make this future a reality.
Tahere Siisiialafia has been “invested in human rights” since she was a child. She has been actively partaking in community activities, as well as conducting empowerment classes for children and junior young people in her community. Today, at age 31, she is president of the Pacific Youth Council, an organisation which works to foster and promote the interests and needs of young people in the Pacific. OHCHR spoke to Tahere about the human rights issues in the region, why young peoples’ voices are so critical, and her vision for a better future for youth.
Young people are essential in promoting peace and security around the world. UN peacekeeping operations amplify the voices of the youth and ensure that they are included in planning and decision-making. They support young people in overcoming challenges, promoting gender equality and advancing progress. This year, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers (29 May) focuses on youth, peace and security. Young people are promoting peace and security – and UN peacekeeping is having an impact on the next generation.
Engaging young people in peace efforts provides an opportunity to constructively influence areas that directly impact their lives. This year’s International Day of UN Peacekeepers (29 May): “The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging the power of youth for peace and security,” recognizes the significant role of youth in shaping and sustaining peace efforts. Today, tens of thousands of young peacekeepers (between the ages of 18 and 29 years) are deployed around the world and play a major role in helping the missions including in the protection of civilians. #YouthPeaceSecurity #Youth4Peace
Waffles and Mochi deliver opening remarks at the Global Youth Summit Dialogue 2021 - Good Food For All. Gathering youth voices from around the world, invites a curated group of 100 youth for a discussion on the future of our food systems.
In this Y- Action video of UNESCO Youth response to COVID-19 music will take the main lead to connect and educate the community about barrier gestures to fight covid and create awareness about information. They inspire us by keeping the good vibes that music brings with a whisper of hope.
More than 11,000 young people from all over the world have converged virtually for the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2021, the UN’s foremost platform for tackling the many pressing challenges facing young people today, including the impacts of COVID-19. The two-day event features plenary sessions, interactive thematic and regionally-based discussions, and provides an opportunity for a rich exchange of views and ideas on innovative solutions to issues of relevance to young people on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Compact for Young People in Humanitarian Action aims to protect young people and adolescents, while recognising that they are invaluable partners in responding effectively to COVID-19 and its effects felt in societies across the globe.
Young people in Khan Younis city in the Gaza Strip used the popular computer game Minecraft to design inclusive public spaces that are safe for women.
At the beginning of 2020, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, challenged students to tackle issues related to forced displacement during their debates. The reward? Getting their best ideas shared with policy-makers. More than 20,000 students in 75 countries accepted the MUN Refugee Challenge. They collectively drafted “resolutions” which were reviewed by a panel of experts and young refugees. Here’s a summary of the winning ideas and some of the thinking behind them.
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A new ground-breaking global youth mobilization was launched to invest in and scale up youth-led solutions and engagements in response to COVID-19. The initiative was launched by an alliance of the world’s largest youth movements and organizations, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Foundation. Funding for community programmes, engaging youth in solutions to address COVID-19, and convening Global Youth Summit are key features of the new initiative.
Young Champion of the Earth is a forward-looking prize designed to breathe life into the ambitions of brilliant young environmentalists aged 18 – 30. Shortlisted finalists from every region have been selected following an open call for applications. A Global Jury will then choose seven winners. Each winner is expected to implement their big idea and keep UNEP updated on their progress by producing videos and blogs. Winners will also be given funding to support their communication efforts throughout the year, so that they can produce high-quality materials to share with our audiences.