Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

25 July 2022

 

Excellencies,

Members of the NAM Youth Network,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Thank you for inviting me to speak at this Non-Aligned Movement Youth Summit.

 

I commend the Government of Azerbaijan for organizing today’s event, and for its steadfast leadership and focus on youth and youth issues.

 

Today’s event could not be more opportune.

 

Young people number nearly 2 billion around the world, making up the largest generation of young people in history.

 

Of this, almost 90% reside in developing countries, where the Member States of the Non-Aligned Movement constitute absolute majority.

 

And yet, young people, especially the vulnerable and marginalized, continue to be disproportionately impacted by global challenges, from COVID to climate.

 

Despite this, time and again it is the youth that have risen above these challenges – reminding us of their resilience; resilience which they carry forward to their countries and communities.

 

We have seen this in how they have helped to rebuild their lives and those around them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

We see this now, as young people around the world push for social, environmental and economic change and transformation.

 

Excellencies, dear friends,

 

In a post-pandemic world, we must ensure the inclusion and participation of youth in building back better and stronger.

 

This starts with us.

 

Institutions like the United Nations and bodies like the Non-Aligned Movement represent the strength of multilateralism and international cooperation.

 

As challenges become more interlinked and borderless, it is during these times that inclusivity and diversity in our work becomes even more necessary.

 

On that note, I commend NAM for its Youth Network, which provides the necessary platform for youth development through model simulation exercises and intercultural exchange events.

 

I am pleased that this is well enshrined in the United Nations as well.

 

Development frameworks, such as the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, recognize the essential role of youth participation. And the Secretary-General has strongly pointed to youth empowerment in his ‘Our Common Agenda’ report, which positions the UN for the future.

 

For my part, I am very proud to have launched and successfully implemented my HOPE Fellowship programme.

 

For the last 7 months, eight young diplomats from underrepresented countries have worked on rotational basis to become acquainted with the work of the UN.

 

It is my hope that they leave the United Nations as champions and advocates for multilateralism.

 

To further advance the role of youth in multilateralism, I will be launching the “Voices of Youth – Time Capsule”, which seeks to provide an additional opportunity to bring youth voices into our work at the UN and showcase their hopes and aspirations for the future they want.

 

I invite you all to join me on this initiative.

 

 

 

My friends,

 

As President of the UN General Assembly, I have had the opportunity to engage with young people on every topic that we have discussed at the multilateral level, both at the General Assembly and during my travels abroad.

 

From COP26 in Glasgow to the Ocean Conference; from Kenya to Dominican Republic, I have met with and heard from youth on every topic of relevance in today’s world.

 

I have learned a great deal, but my main takeaway is this: they want and need to be part of the process.

 

It is of the utmost importance that young people are given ownership and belonging in decision-making processes.

 

Let us continue to work together to strengthen platforms and provide measures that will ensure we provide them with that ownership and belonging; that we lay stronger groundwork for an inclusive, relevant, and sustainable future for all.

 

With those few words, I wish you a productive dialogue.

 

I thank you