Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
19 April 2022
Excellencies,
Dear friends,
Let me be brief: the future of policymaking, of multilateralism, and of global cooperation, will be determined by what young people make of it. If we aim to maintain our multilateral system and strengthen and revitalize it, then we must aim to engage and empower those who will inherit it.
As President of the UN General Assembly, I have one term to serve in Office. One calendar year. I am reminded each day of how quickly that year is passing.
Like most Presidents, I hope to leave a legacy, to leave a mark on the institution that I care so deeply for.
I have learned quickly that it is the people you inspire and influence, who will carry that legacy forward.
I am pleased that, during my Presidency, I have been able to launch the PGA Fellowship for HOPE. Through this programme, eight young diplomats are currently working and learning through the Office of the President. They are fully immersed in the workings of the UN and General Assembly. It is my hope that this Fellowship, which specifically targets young people from less represented countries, will continue in the years to come, that it will result in our recommitment to multilateralism.
Excellencies,
Dear friends,
Today we are confronted with multiple crises.
Climate change.
Biodiversity loss.
Inequality.
COVID-19.
Conflict.
If we are to meaningfully make progress on any of these issues – progress that is sustainable, that endures for decades to come – then youth must be part of that process. They must own it.
Young people are our best hope for tackling the challenges facing the world and in pursuing success on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
From the solutions they offered during the COVID19 pandemic, to the many on the frontlines of climate action, young people, are demonstrating that they have the solutions and the will to fight for the planet they inhabit, and the world they will inherit. I have been honoured to meet several of these young champions.
I welcome the proposals in the Secretary-General’s ‘Our Common Agenda’ report, which specifically aim to empower youth in a ‘UN 2.0’. I was pleased to help facilitate Member State discussions. It is now on all of us, to take these forward.
Dear friends,
The ECOSOC Youth Forum is a unique opportunity to bring together youth representatives, governments, and the UN System to benefit from the perspectives of young people in our collective pursuit of sustainable development.
Such inter-generational conversations should be routine, not only here in the United Nations, but across the globe as a regular feature of consultations for policy making and decision-making at the global, regional, national, and local levels.
I commend you for joining today and thank you for the opportunity to contribute.
