During the second day of the IPCI ICPD* conference in Stockholm, UN Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi participated in a panel on Young people as Leaders and Drivers of Sustainable Development. Co-panelists included H.E. Haruna Idrissa, Minister of Trade and Industry and Member of Parliament from Ghana, H.E. Nova Riyanti Yusuf, Member of Parliament from Indonesia, and Laura Schoch, Chair of the Austrian National Youth Council.

“Young people don’t need support; they need investments,” said Alhendawi.

Against the backdrop that globally less than one percent of Members of Parliament are under the age of 30, the Envoy gathered young Members of Parliament from some 15 countries to discuss possible avenues for increased collaboration. During the interaction in Stockholm, it was agreed that the group continue to work together and explore ways in which to build a network of young MPs to support the UN development agenda.

Alhendawi with young Members of Parliament (MPs).

Alhendawi with young Members of Parliament (MPs).

The Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth also met with H.E. Maria Arnholm, Minister for Gender Equality of Sweden, and State Secretary with the Ministry of Education and Research of Sweden Ulrika Stuart Hamilton.

The Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth with H.E. Minister for Gender Equality of Sweden Maria Arnholm.

The Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth with H.E. Minister for Gender Equality of Sweden Maria Arnholm.

 

Later in the day, Alhendawi interacted with a wide range of actors representing youth in Sweden: The Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society, the National Council of Swedish Youth Organisations (LSU), the Swedish Federation of Student Unions, the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education, and the Swedish Youth Federation for LGBQT Rights.

Alhendawi flanked by Swedish youth representatives.

Alhendawi flanked by Swedish youth representatives.

 

* The Sixth international parliamentarians’ conference on the implementation of the ICPD (International Conference on Population and Development) Programme of Action.