Friday Opening Ceremony: Summit of the Future Action Days

Summary

This transcript covers the opening ceremony of Youth Action Day at the United Nations Headquarters, part of the Summit of the Future. The event focused on empowering youth voices and engaging young people in shaping global governance and policy. Speakers included UN officials, world leaders, and youth advocates who emphasized the importance of youth participation in addressing global challenges.

Key themes included the need for youth representation in decision-making processes, the impact of conflicts and crises on young people, and the potential for youth to drive positive change. Speakers highlighted the establishment of the UN Youth Office as a significant step towards youth inclusion. They also stressed the urgency of addressing issues like climate change, economic inequality, and peace-building with youth at the forefront.

The discussion showcased diverse perspectives, from the President of Cabo Verde emphasizing youth empowerment in small island developing states, to young advocates calling for action on children’s rights and political representation. Artistic expressions, including a video message from Hello Kitty, were used to inspire hope and creativity among youth.

The event culminated with anticipation for a dialogue between young people and the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing the Summit of the Future as a crucial opportunity for youth to influence global policy. Overall, the discussion underscored the critical role of youth in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful future for all.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– The importance of youth engagement and empowerment in shaping the future

– The need for greater youth representation in decision-making processes and leadership roles

– Addressing global challenges like climate change, inequality, and conflict that disproportionately affect youth

– The role of the UN and the upcoming Summit of the Future in advancing youth priorities

– Using art, technology and innovation to amplify youth voices and drive positive change

Overall purpose:

The purpose of this discussion was to kick off the Youth Action Days ahead of the UN Summit of the Future, highlighting the critical role of youth in shaping global policy and calling for greater youth inclusion in decision-making processes.

Tone:

The overall tone was inspirational, hopeful and energetic. Speakers aimed to motivate and empower youth attendees while also conveying the urgency of youth action on global issues. There was an emphasis on optimism about youth potential balanced with realism about the challenges ahead. The tone remained consistently upbeat and forward-looking throughout the various speeches and segments.

Speakers

Moderators/Facilitators:

– Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola (DJ Cuppy) – DJ, philanthropist, and moderator

Speakers:

– Keisha De Freece Lawrence – Indigenous education specialist and founding director of Sovereign Science

– Felipe Paullier – Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs at the UN

РJos̩ Maria Pereira Neves РPresident of Cabo Verde

– Terry Otieno – Youth advocate from Kenya

– Areej – Children’s rights advocate from Yemen

– Dan Carden – UK Member of Parliament and President of the Board of the Forum of Young Parliamentarians

– Hello Kitty – Animated character promoting SDGs

– Sanjana Sanghi – UNDP India youth champion and advocate

Areas of expertise:

– Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola: Entertainment, philanthropy, youth engagement

– Keisha De Freece Lawrence: Indigenous rights, traditional ecological knowledge

– Felipe Paullier: Youth affairs, UN leadership

РJos̩ Maria Pereira Neves: Governance, leadership, youth empowerment

– Terry Otieno: Youth advocacy, global youth leadership

– Areej: Children’s rights, conflict zone advocacy

– Dan Carden: Politics, youth representation in government

– Hello Kitty: SDG awareness, youth engagement

– Sanjana Sanghi: Youth development, advocacy for underprivileged children

Revised Summary of Youth Action Day Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of Youth Action Day at the United Nations Headquarters, part of the Summit of the Future, brought together a diverse group of speakers to discuss the critical role of youth in shaping global governance and policy. The event, moderated by DJ and philanthropist Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola (DJ Cuppy), featured UN officials, world leaders, and youth advocates from various backgrounds, emphasizing the global nature of youth engagement.

Key Themes and Presentations

1. Indigenous Recognition and Land Acknowledgment

Keshia De Freece Lawrence, an indigenous education specialist, opened the ceremony with a powerful land acknowledgment. She recognized the 400th anniversary of the Dutch invasion of Lenapehoking territory, highlighting the importance of acknowledging indigenous peoples’ connection to the land and their ongoing presence.

2. Youth Empowerment and Engagement in Global Decision-Making

Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs at the UN, emphasized the establishment of the UN Youth Office as a significant milestone for youth representation. He acknowledged the barriers young people face in participating in UN events, such as visa restrictions, language barriers, and financial constraints. Paullier called for concrete commitments at the upcoming Summit of the Future to address these challenges.

Dan Carden, UK Member of Parliament and President of the Board of the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, shared a striking statistic: despite more than half the world’s population being under 30, only 2.8% of Members of Parliament are under 30. He stressed the need for increased youth participation in political processes.

Youth advocates Sanjana Sanghi and Terry Otieno emphasized the importance of youth voices in shaping the future. Sanghi made a passionate plea for youth inclusion, stating, “All we ask is for a seat at the tables of change… All we ask is for our voices to be heard because we matter and our voice matters.”

3. Addressing Global Challenges

Speakers highlighted pressing global issues that disproportionately affect youth, including climate change, economic inequality, and conflict. José Maria Pereira Neves, President of Cabo Verde, stressed the importance of accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Areej, a children’s rights advocate from Yemen, brought attention to the critical need to protect children’s rights and futures in conflict zones, emphasizing the urgent need for peace, security, and development initiatives that prioritize youth welfare.

4. Summit of the Future and Pact for the Future

The upcoming Summit of the Future was positioned as a crucial opportunity for youth to influence global policy. Felipe Paullier described it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape multilateralism,” emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in the preparatory process and advocacy.

5. Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation

Hello Kitty delivered a video message emphasizing the importance of respecting differences while finding common ground. The message also highlighted the connection between Hello Kitty’s values and the Sustainable Development Goals.

6. Art and Youth Engagement

The ceremony featured the presentation of the “Hope in Action” art project, showcasing youth creativity and expression in addressing global challenges.

7. Social Media Engagement

DJ Cuppy encouraged audience participation throughout the event, promoting the use of social media hashtags to engage online participants and extend the reach of the discussion.

Conclusion

The Youth Action Day opening ceremony set a tone of optimism and urgency regarding youth involvement in shaping global policy. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the event highlighted the critical role of youth in addressing global challenges and building a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful future. As the world looks towards the Summit of the Future, the message was clear: youth must be at the forefront of decision-making processes to create meaningful and lasting change.

The ceremony concluded with an announcement of an upcoming conversation with the UN Secretary-General, further emphasizing the commitment to youth engagement at the highest levels of the United Nations.

Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola – DJ Cuppy: Yes, thank you so much for the energy, thank you, it’s going to be a fantastic day. Welcome to the United Nations Headquarters for Youth Action Day, make some noise! We have so many, so many incredible young people joining us today and online as well from so many countries. I want to give a big shout out to our UN Web TV family. My name is Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola, but you can call me Cuppie. I’m repping a country called Nigeria, in case you’ve heard of it. Now I’m a DJ, philanthropist, but also your moderator, but it feels like I’m more your co-host because today is all about you. It’s all about the youth, and I am so, so honoured to be taking you on this journey today. And as they say in my language Yoruba, welcome everyone, energy! Now someone once told me, it’s not about your what, but it’s about your why. So why are we here? We believe that youth need to be able to take action. We believe in leadership that brings everyone to the table, and that’s why I’m just so proud to be here. My favourite SDG is definitely four, opportunity for everyone to get quality education. And at my foundation, the Cuppie Foundation, I’m so proud because we provide hardship funds for African students. So throughout today, this opening ceremony, I’d love you to get involved in the conversation, especially youth. What’s your favourite SDG? What do you have to say? What do you believe in? So make sure you use hashtag, of course, youth… lead and also hashtag our common future and don’t forget to get involved because everything here has been specially curated for the youth at UN Youth Affairs and don’t forget to make sure you have your say. So today is going to be amazing it’s going to be full of energy and like I said I’m a DJ so I like crowd involvement so I do something called a copy crowd check so when I say youth I want you to say action should we give it a go youth youth yes we got it right yes give it up for yourselves so without further ado I am so ecstatic to be taking you on this journey of course with the UN Youth Affairs office and its partners we are going to kick off with a special guest I’m so excited to welcome Keisha Talking Waters DeVries she’s going to kick off this day with a traditional land acknowledgement. Keisha is the founding director of Sovereign Science an indigenous-led community think-tank and she’s all about promoting a deep connection with nature and pushing for indigenous rights. Now over to you Keshia.

Keshia De Freece Lawrence: Wuluwapan, Kulamasi, good morning my name is Keshia De Freece Lawrence I’m Rampalinape deer and wolf clan I’m the indigenous education specialist at Harvard Forest I’m one of the inaugural tribal research fellows at the John Carter Brown University Library and I’m the founding director of the indigenous political theory and traditional ecological knowledge think-tank Sovereign Science. Alongside me today is my mother chemist educator and twice awarded indigenous Fulbright scholar Dr. Maria Lawrence who I’m eternally grateful for. My speech today is to address the eastern woodlands of Turtle Island and the many through lines of interconnection that exists for the legacy of indigeneity globally and the infamy of colonization and imperialism internationally. The eastern woodlands is the vast land and waterscapes east of the Great Plains and below the mighty Arctic and is the intricate cradleboard of the Haudenosaunee, the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape, the Wabanaki, the Micmac, the Wampanoag, the Nipmuc, the Massachusetts, the Nahagansett, the Pequot, the Mohegan, the Munsee, the Paugussett, the Skadikot, the Ramapo, the Shinnecock, the Montaukut, the Lumbee, the Shawnee, the Rappahannock, the Cherokee, the Seminole, the now six nations of the Grand River, the Anishinaabe, the Piscataway, and many other communities that call the land and waters of the first sunrise their home of origin, including our many Caribbean relatives. Although plagued by diasporic mechanisms, pervasive racism, and intrusively predatory colonial tactics, we remain abundant in timeless remedies prescribed by the Creator, filled by our kinship to Mother Earth, and taken in collective community strides, uniting us from past to present and into future generations unknown. 2024 marks 400 years since the Dutch invasion of the Lenapehoking territory. Traditional Umami, Munsee, and Algonquin dialects of lands, commonly referred to as New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and pockets of others such as Massachusetts and Ohio. As Eastern Woodlands Indigenous Peoples, we have codified our Akwenee, our peace, since time immemorial because it has always been dependent on Aki, the earth. The digital compact does not include enough vernacular around indigeneity, thus appearing to erase future protections and innovations of indigenous communities and the larger pathways of a sustainable future, while also limiting indigenous peoples from a future associated with digital advancements. To appreciate the magnitude of this oversight, one must understand the quantum infinity that is indigenous ingenuity, from genetics to culinary, governance to forestry. traditional carbon sequestration to pragmatic geology, there is no rubric for the psyche of Indigenous peoples, places, or our relatives. Understanding that some of the antecedents to this reasoning are the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, there is a spectra to the multifaceted work of restoration and preservation ahead of all of us. It is truly remarkable that at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, there is retroactively progressive changes in protocols and content happening. I pray this good medicine is continuously planted and nurtured in every version of the future we are all setting off to caretake. I would be remissed if I didn’t take this opportunity to publicly thank the many elders here and gone that have led bravely in these spaces. Thank you to all those involved for organizing this week, including those who invited me, the Honorable Secretary General, the Undersecretary General for Policy, the Major Group for Children and Youth, and all of your phenomenal colleagues. Anushik Katabatash, Seygo Niawe, Wanishi Kishkulamankwe, Wacomanitou. Thank you, creator.

Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola – DJ Cuppy: Wow, wow, thank you so much, Keshia, for that profound start, respect and recognition. And you know, earlier on, I mentioned, it’s not just about our what, it’s about our why. So it’s only right that we watch through the official video for the summit of the future so that we actually understand what is at stake here and understand why youth action is so important. After the epic video, I’m so excited, we have an epic guest. After that, we’ll be on stage. Our guest, who is the youngest ever senior appointment in the history of the United Nations and the head of the newly established United Nations Youth Office. Alongside the summit of the future video, please welcome to the stage, our first ever Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier.

Official Summit Video: Change. It defines our world. Adapting. Renewing. Redefining. And transforming. But today, the escalating pace of change is pushing our interconnected world to its limits. We cannot keep up with the challenges of today, or harness the opportunities of tomorrow with systems built for yesterday. We are at a pivotal moment in history. The choices we make today will have an exponential impact on current and future generations. This is our once-in-a-generation opportunity. To come together as one world. To make tough choices. Overcome conflict and chaos. And create a future worth striving for. A future worth living for. When countries work together, we can pave the way for global peace and prosperity. Restore our planet. Promote digital transformation. And protect human rights. But we must act now, as one world, to pave the way for our common future. For the benefit of all.

Felipe Paullier: Good afternoon. How are you doing? That’s good, that’s what we expect from this day and from the audience. So dear colleagues, delegates, fellow youth, I am so excited to join you today and to officially celebrate the opening of the Action Days of the Summit of the Future. Today I carry with an immense privilege and a deep sense of responsibility as I deliver a message of hope, of recognition, and a call to action as the first United Nations Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs. More than 1,600 young people registered for the Action Days, and thousands more are joining us remotely. So this is exceptional, you know? But at the same time, I want to recognize the barriers that many young people constantly face when trying to participate in these spaces. Visa barriers, language barriers, financial barriers. So to all of them, we hear you, we see you, and we recognize you today also in this conference room. I stand here filled with pride, with satisfaction, and a duty to acknowledge the path that brought us here. Allow me to take a moment to recognize those who have planted the seeds along the way. First and foremost, the young people who tirelessly have been advocating and striving for a world that is more just, more diverse. and equal. I also wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the former Secretary General’s envoy on youth, Ahmad Anjay Adma, who both took essential steps shedding light on youth issues and had long before issues that were invisible and relegated. And let me also recognize the support and the conviction of our leadership. Thank you, Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and thank you, Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, who is in the room with us now, for being big champions of this agenda and being part of the Youth Action Days as true allies. The establishment of the United Nations Youth Office as a specialized mechanism for youth affairs in the United Nations Secretariat is the biggest testament of this journey. Backed by strong political support from member states, it is a significant shift in our commitment on youth issues. And today, we are here at the UN General Assembly, just a few hours before the starting point of a critical intergovernmental process for the future of global governance. The Summit of the Future is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape multilateral system and to put young people at the center of multilateral system. Over the past year, our office has worked closely with young people around the world to advocate for concrete commitments at this summit, hoping to make meaningful youth engagement the norm. Esteemed young people and colleagues, ten years ago, a day like today would have been unimaginable. A day on the official program of the UN Security Council. the United Nations dedicated to youth, a day when young people are truly at the forefront of discussions of thinking and proposals. A day when this House recognises that any agenda, whether it’s gender, climate, peace and security, sustainable development or human rights, has the youth agenda as a cross-cultivating element of it. But despite this progress, our world is at a critical juncture. We are witnessing the highest number of conflicts since the Second World War, and these conflicts disproportionately affect young people all over the world. From Gaza to Ukraine, through Sudan to Myanmar, conflict-related deaths have reached a 28-year high. With one in four young people globally living in conflict-affected countries, these tensions directly impact their lives and their livelihoods. At the same time, mistrust between young people and institutions continues to worsen, and this is leading to exacerbating inequalities and increasing instability. As a global system and community, we have failed to build that world that we promised so many times. Excuses for failing to end climate tragedy, wars, forced displacements and ultimately for lost generations are running in short supply. The fact that we are gathered here today, young people from all over the world, representatives, heads of state, representatives of civil society, academia, public and private sectors, we are precisely here so that we can break from this trend and take action. On Sunday, the summit of the future opens, and I am hopeful and confident that these action days will bring about the positive transformation we need. That is the intent behind these two days that we inaugurate today. Colleagues, the Pact for the Future with member states, with governments, concrete commitments, it offers an opportunity to build the future we want. It is our joint responsibility to put these actions into practice. Although young people remain the generation with the most confidence in the multilateral system, we run the risk of losing them as partners if we don’t make this pact a reality. So I truly hope that these action days will spark actions and commitments and foster a renewed sense of solidarity, of collaboration, of trust, and of community. Thank you. Muchísimas gracias.

Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola – DJ Cuppy: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much to our Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs. And what he said was so true. We have come a long way, but we have to make sure we still go the further distance required. As we are now warmed up, I think we are ready for some speakers, and youth voices require good listeners to hear them out. So it is time to hear from some pretty good listeners. I am so honored to introduce our first speaker, who is no stranger to empowering youth. The president of Cabo Verde is not only dedicated to leadership, but is also an author. Outside of serving his country, His Excellency José María Neves has authored several books, including A Future to Build. As an African, personally, I am so inspired when I see innovative leadership styles. So please join me in welcoming the president of Cabo Verde to stage, His Excellency Jose Maria Neves.

José Maria Pereira Neves: Madam Deputy Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs, representatives of member states, civil society, private sector, academia, local and regional authorities, youth representatives, their youth. Ladies and gentlemen, my first words are to say that I’m truly honored to be here to address the youth of the world and the geocultural diversity and aspirations they represent. It is the satisfaction of someone who represents a previous generation and who today holds government responsibilities and is communicating with the young people of today while also thinking about future generations. We are gathered here over the next few years for the summit of the future and I want to commend the UN Thank you, Secretary General, for proposing this vital initiative under our common agenda to seal in a pact for the future a shared vision as well as urgent and decisive actions necessary to tackle the pressing current and emerging challenges impacting the world globally, especially those living in vulnerable situations, many of whom are youth. That is why the youth are at the forefront of our objectives and, as such, must be an integral part of the solutions we pursue as driving forces for leadership, change and action. Empowering the youth becomes not just a priority, it is an urgent necessity for all actors, both state and non-state actors. Here are four critical areas we view as essential. First, accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in an inclusive manner, ensuring no youth is left behind in the fight against poverty and climate change, in access to health care, quality education, training and employment, alongside measures to alleviate the pressures to forced migration. In short, in the economic, technological and social empowerment of the youth. Second, promoting peace and security by placing youth at the center of development efforts in opposition to wars, conflicts. and social instability, which robbed them of opportunities for their spiritual and material growth and extinguished their hope and destroyed their futures. Third, science, technology, and innovation and digital cooperation are areas where youth can thrive by excellence. Thus, we must work at both international and national levels to ensure young people have access to these critical resources, using them as levers for transformation and for their progress and well-being. Fourth, it is essential to enhance young people’s participation in global and national governance toward their empowerment. International organizations must open their doors wider for the statutory recruitment of youth and encourage their involvement in various volunteer opportunities. At the national level, engaging youth in political, cultural, and social spheres is crucial for nurturing, learning, and exercising leadership. My country, Cabo Verde, is a small island developing state. Above all, Cabo Verde is a nation with over 500 years of history and a country that will celebrate 50 years of independence in 2025. It is a representative democracy committed to upholding human rights, particularly those of young people who make up the majority of our resident population. Through government initiatives and collaboration with civil society organizations, young people are active contributors to the solutions we advocate for in sustainable development, economic and social inclusion, peace and stability, both locally and globally. This summit is unique and will be remembered as the Youth Summit, focused on the youth, by the youth and for the youth, and it will open a new and more inclusive chapter in multilateralism. I wish you all fruitful Action Days and an excellent journey towards the future. Thank you very much for your attention.

Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola – DJ Cuppy: Wow, thank you so much, Your Excellency Jose Maria Neves Brigada, for being such an example in highlighting the importance and meaningfulness of youth engagement. As we know, it is Youth Action Day, so I want to do another copy crowd check. Are you with me? More energy, come on. It’s not every day. So when I say youth, you say action. Youth. Action. Youth. Action. Yes. So we are ready for not even one, but two incredible speakers. Terry is all about creating a world of justice, peace and good governance, and Areej has been fighting for children’s rights in Yemen. So, welcome, Terry. State governments should be respecting the civil rights and peaceful right moving electorates in Yemen, especially the access to education, talk about some serious goals. Terry and Areej, the stage is yours. Give it up for them.

Terry Otieno: Ujana Nimoshi, a Swahili saying that speaks to the undeniable truth, that we are all, once adolescents, transitioned into young adults and will ultimately take the journey to full adulthood. This progression happens so swiftly that it often feels like blinking, missing one face for the other, yet every stage leaves a significant mark on the next, shaping who and what becomes of us. My journey as a youth advocate started 10 years ago in Kenya, where I was born and raised. And being here today is proof that the UN is open and accessible to young people. I have experienced this openness firsthand without needing any special connections. I have grown from a grassroots youth advocate to a global youth leader and now a youth engagement facilitator. I am grateful to Kenya for the world-class education and the provision of information and communication technology, ICT, to her citizens, which has empowered an ordinary girl from rural central Kenya to actualize her youthful vision. Looking back, we see this same dynamic mirrored in the journey of youth advocacy in the United Nations. From the formation of the major groups of children and youth in 1992, to the appointment of the UN Youth Envoy, and now the establishment of the UN Youth Office, each step in this journey has been a chain reaction where the rhythm of youth involvement only intensifies as we move forward. Today, as the Action Days for Summit of the Future commence, we are standing on the threshold of future, filled with the hope, and as we eagerly await to witness another historic moment through the paths of the future. Youth at the UN have been instrumental in shaping the landscape during the preparatory process for Summit of the Future. The persistent advocacy efforts youth have successfully pushed for vital reforms in the language and the structure of the key outcomes policy framework, the Pact of the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. Capacity building has been a core pillar on youth-led and focused entities at the UN, with the efforts aimed at empowering young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for their future. From 2022 to 2024, young people have engaged in numerous consultations that have empowered us to raise concerns over the challenges of implementing these ideas at the grassroots level. These consultations were complemented by training sessions that we call the Youth Blast, designed to equip youth with the necessary tools to influence decision-making and policy processes. The youth-led and focused entities at the UN have also produced numerous position papers and reports that have provided invaluable insights into the needs and aspirations of young people. The Youth Voices report, produced at the 2024 Eco-Youth Forum, consolidated youth perspectives that were further disseminated in Nairobi during the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference, where the major groups for children and youth Partners supported the registration and participation of 500 plus youths, where we also had the opportunity to present our recommendations to the co-facilitators of the pact and the two annexes. By constantly engaging in outreach and ensuring that young people are aware of opportunities to participate, thousands of youths have been able to contribute to the global agenda and shape our future. Now, we are writing the next chapter.

Areej: I once saw a photo of a child from Yemen, small, fragile and innocent, standing amid the ruins of what used to be his home. His eyes were empty and hollow, not because he lacked food or shelter, but because he lost that one thing every child needs, hope. This photo, taken during the ongoing conflict in my home country, Yemen, is something I cannot forget. Today, I stand before you not just as a voice for youth and children in Yemen, but as a voice for every child in the world whose future rests in our hands. In the next 30 years, 4.2 children will be born into a world shaped by the choices we make today. What we do now will shape their world, whether that world is defined by conflict, poverty and fear, or by hope, security and opportunity. We must ask ourselves, are we ready to take action so that every child can flourish? Today’s children deserve more than survival. They deserve to thrive in a life filled with joy, curiosity and dreams, free from violence and discrimination. When we look into their eyes, we see the future. But that future depends on us, on what we do today. It’s often said that this generation will determine whether the next inherits a world filled with challenges or solutions. And I believe this generation can and will be the reason for the happiness of the next. But that future needs our unwavering dedication, our resources, and our collective will to act now. Imagine a world where the faces of children, like those we see in Yemen, are not marked by fear, but by joy. I urge you to help make that world a reality. Together, we can ensure that when we look back, the images of these children will be filled with happiness, safety, and opportunity. Let’s make sure it’s a future every child can believe in. My hopes and dreams for children are that they live in a world where they don’t just survive, but thrive. Where their dreams are nurtured, and their futures are full of possibility. So I have a question to the audience here. Will we let another generation slip through the cracks, or will we take decisive action? What about you, Terry? What are your dreams for children and youth around the world?

Terry Otieno: My hopes and dreams is that children and youth are empowered with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to actively shape just, equitable, and sustainable planet for themselves and for the future generations.

Areej: We are the present. We are the future. The moment to act is now.

Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola – DJ Cuppy: Wow, wow. Thank you so much. Terry and Areej came with so much energy. That was really heartfelt. And keeping things fresh, the next speaker is a political young leader himself. So he understands firsthand the impact and importance of empowering young people. more young people to participate in political affairs. Dan Carden from the UK United Kingdom has been a Labour MP for Liverpool Walton since 2017. He is also the President of the Board of the Forum of Young Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. It’s quite a mouthful. Please give a Youth Action warm welcome to Dan Carden.

Dan Carden: Dear colleagues, young delegates, it is truly a privilege to stand here before you, not just as a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom for the great city of Liverpool, and not just as the President of Young Parliamentarians at the IPU, but as part of a generation confronting a world that feels more fragile and unstable than it has for decades. As old uncertainties wither and decay, we must face up to unprecedented global crises. Climate change threatens a future in which vast swathes of our planet may become uninhabitable. Economic models have concentrated power and wealth in the hands of a few. And the instruments of war are far outpacing the instruments of peace. These crises didn’t materialise out of thin air. Decisions we have made, actions we have taken, and cold political calculations that we have indulged have saddled us with this heavy burden. But if these problems stem… from human action, so too must their solutions. Because it is not providence that bends the arc of history towards justice, but the force of our collective resolve that must drag it in the right direction. And as a simple matter of chronological necessity, it is young people who will have to take on this task. And it is for this reason that the IPU has endeavoured to ensure that young people are given a seat at the table. And we saw these efforts just last week, as our global conference of young parliamentarians, where young MPs from around the world came together to make a positive case for the future. Here we coordinated actions to ensure that no matter the crisis or the setting, young people are still provided with quality education and decent employment. At the conference, we united in the belief that we cannot allow the challenges we face to drown our hopes for a better future. And this summit of the future is a critical opportunity to rise up to these challenges together. This is not simply a gathering of leaders, but an opportunity to envision a different world. And there are two essential points I would like to share with you today. The first is that parliaments are allies in translating this summit’s aspirations into actions. Whether it is writing the laws that will guide them, or holding governments to account, parliaments are needed. And the second point is that parliaments need to continually evolve to meet the pace of today’s challenges. And the strongest motors for this rejuvenation are young MPs, so we need more of us in positions of power. And we still have a lot of work to do, because despite more than half the world’s population being under the age of 30, only 2.8% of Members of Parliament are under 30. And that’s why young MPs are championing things like youth quotas, lowering the age of eligibility to run for office, having more youth committees and caucuses in parliaments, and empowering young parliamentarians into leadership positions and mentoring young aspirants. Ladies and gentlemen, the summit of the future is more than just a meeting. It is an anchor point for our aspirations and our efforts. And on this journey, you can count on the engagement of parliaments and especially of young MPs. Good luck. Thank you.

Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola – DJ Cuppy: Thank you. Thank you so much for those words. We definitely need more instruments of peace. And also, thank you for reminding us, Dan, that anything is truly possible. Maybe I could be the first female president of Nigeria. Who knows? But you know, sometimes all we need is a bit of hope. And I feel so much hope is in this room. And actually, I know someone that has plenty of hope, a friend of mine, and I think you all might know her. And she is so, so full of it. She’s one of the most kawaii, well-known characters in the world. She’s from Japan. And she has been working so hard to raise awareness on all the sustainable development goals, not just in Japan, but around the world. And I’ve told her to help us out today. So let’s see if I can reach her. I’ve been trying to find her. I’m not sure. Oh, she’s here. Hello Kitty, give it up for her!

Official Summit Video 2: Thanks so much everyone! Once again, I’m Hello Kitty! I’m really happy to have the chance to speak with you all today. But to be honest, I’m a little nervous too. Yet, when I hear all of your voices supporting me like this, it gives me the confidence that I can do my best. Your voices inspire me. But it’s not just me. I believe they can change the world for the better. What kind of world would you like to live in? For me, it’s a world where everyone gets along and lives in harmony. That’s why I want to hear your voices. The voices of today’s generation, who remind us that a better world is possible. Where you were born, your gender or age, we’re all different. And that means what we see, what we don’t see, and what we feel are probably different too. Does that mean we can’t understand each other? Not at all! I believe that by respecting each other’s differences and having heart-to-heart discussions, we can create a better future together. What really matters is that each one of us keeps pushing for change in our everyday lives. You’ve got your own unique way of tackling the challenges in front of you. And together we can find the best way to overcome them! Even a tiny idea that seems small to you might be innovative and new to someone else! When all those ideas come together, they can build something big! And by bringing all of your creative ideas and solutions together, this will surely contribute to achieving the global goals! So, you know what? Let’s hear more and more from everyone! I believe that if we all come together across generations and take action for the future, we can create a world that is better for everyone! I hope today is only one of many chances for all your ideas to turn into action! I look forward to seeing you again in a world where all of you are leading the way to an even better future! See you!

Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola – DJ Cuppy: Thank you so much for that wonderful presentation of how we can all get together and make change. And I love the fact that since 2019, Hello Kitty, alongside the United Nations and Sanrio, have been working so hard on Hello Global Goals! Talking about getting together, I have the personal pleasure of presenting a very special segment. This year, to celebrate International Youth Day, the United Nations Youth Office partnered with the SDG Action Campaign and H.U.G., which is a global community… global community for artists and a way for artists to communicate. The opportunity was to invite young people to submit some artwork so they could reimagine the world and today I have the pleasure to present to you the winning pieces. Art has been so important and always been a way to express oneself when words aren’t enough. So today we are celebrating these pieces of art as a force for young people to get together and all these pieces we’re about to see are not just dreams. They are bold statements. They are not just about hope, but they are making moves. So without further ado, I give you Hope in Action. Hope in Action Thank you and congratulations We would love love to thank all the artists behind Hope in Action and of course a big thank you to the UNSDG action campaign and hug for bringing us hope. And I hope you are all feeling as hopeful as I’m feeling now. And hope has certainly arrived. It’s a great time. And talking about arriving, arriving all the way from India, we have an amazing youth champion here with us today to wrap things up. UNDP’s India youth champion, Sanjana Sanghi, started her journey of giving back to underprivileged children in India. Through her work and hard advocate youth-led development, she’s here to drop some serious, serious inspiration. Give it up for Sanjana Sanghi.

Sanjana Sanghi: Thank you. Esteemed guests and distinguished leaders, I first will just take a moment to pinch myself because this moment feels every bit surreal. But I, Sanjana Sanghi, youth champion for the UNDP, stand here before you immersed in profound gratitude as it is one of my life’s greatest honors to have been entrusted by the United Nations to represent the voice of the youth. As a young girl growing up in India, I remember that it was moments like these that used to leave me overwhelmed with both awe and inspiration as I would see my idols and role models do their earnest best in guiding the way our future should unfold. They would look us in the eye, whether it was through television screens or other media, and remind us that we are the future, that our decisions, actions, opinions, and in general everything we feel, will be pivotal in shaping the way the future unfolds. It is important that we grow up to be conscious citizens of the world, hopeful yet realistic, passionate yet rooted, vulnerable yet resolute. That is a tall order to live up to. In our world today, where death and disease are spreading every day, where we find ourselves in the midst of a climate emergency, where armed conflict is waging havoc in different parts of the world, we, the youth, are trying to do our very best to keep our feet and ears rooted firmly to the ground, while our vision and hope soars for the stars. We are doing our best to not let any kind of cynicism, negativity or inaction overtake us. That is a tall order to live up to. As I stand here before you today, opening the Summit of the Future Action Days, I stand here representing young people from different parts of the world and sharing our collective hopes and aspirations. I stand here on behalf of the biggest youth generation in the history of time. While 50% of the world is under 30 years of age, less than 3% of national parliamentarians belong to that age group. That is something to think about, because if we are not involved in the decisions that will shape both our present and our future, then we aren’t setting ourselves up for too much success. If we are not the architects of our own future and the mere inheritors of it, we are not setting ourselves up for success. While the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, the challenges that surround us continue to deepen. And as young people, while we are facing our own challenges of the right to a quality education, gainful employment and maintaining our own personal, mental and physical well-being, I know that we are also willing to fight the bigger fights. I know that we don’t want to sit on the sidelines of the decisions that will guide the future that we dream of for ourselves and for our children and let that remain a pipe dream. And that is why it is organizations like the United Nations that carry out this formidable task of bringing member nations together to work towards solutions to resolve humanity’s biggest challenges. And that is why our trust in its various arms, like the United Nations Development Programme where I serve as youth champion in India, is critical because the solutions that we all work towards together today are going to have a positive and lasting impact on both our today and our tomorrow. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, be the change that you wish to see in this world. All we ask is for a seat at the tables of change. All we ask is to be given genuine opportunities of engagement, whether it is in the private sector, in the government, at the United Nations or in academia. All we ask is for our voices to be heard because we matter and our voice matters. All we ask is to be given the opportunity to be the change that we wish to see in this world. Thank you.

Florence Ifeoluwa Otetola – DJ Cuppy: Thank you so much, Sanjana, for that. It has been such an amazing journey today. All the speakers have taken us and given us so much to think about. You know, I feel so inspired and it feels like Youth Action Day is now in full swing. So, there’s so much for us to do today as we get into all the conversations. I have not forgotten about my UN Web TV family locked in who are joining the conversation. Don’t forget, we want to hear what you have to say. So, make sure you use hashtag Youth Lead and our common future. And don’t forget to add the UN Youth Affairs. It’s been so exciting and we have so much more to come. We are getting ready. It’s going to be fun. And I want to make sure that my crowd are still with me. Do you remember the Copy Crowd Check? Yes? So, when I say youth, you say? Youth. Youth. Yes, you are still with me, which is great. We have a super, super exciting segment coming up. Our very own United Nations Secretary General is going to join us for some real talk, a real conversation with young people as we approach, of course, the summit of the future. And he’s here to listen to the priorities for the pact, for the future negotiations, and hear what young people want to get out of the coming summit ahead. It has been such a pleasure to be with you all. And I really hope everyone joins in on the conversation. And there will be, indeed, a Youth Action Day closing ceremony where I will be DJing. That is something to look forward to as well. And I feel like this is really going to be a great day for all of us. It has been already quite profound. The speakers have really given up so much. So soon I will hand it over to our next moderator. who will take us on a journey and we are going to engage even more with young people. So again, please join the conversation online using hashtag youth leads and hashtag our common future. It has been such a pleasure. As they say in my language Yoruba, odabo. Thank you so much and get ready for the next segment.

Agreement Points

Youth empowerment and engagement in global decision-making

Speakers

Felipe Paullier

Dan Carden

Sanjana Sanghi

Terry Otieno

Arguments

Establishment of UN Youth Office – milestone for youth representation

Need for increased youth participation in political processes

Importance of youth voices in shaping the future

Youth as drivers of change and action

Summary

All speakers emphasized the critical importance of involving youth in global decision-making processes and empowering them to shape their own future.

Summit of the Future as a crucial opportunity

Speakers

Felipe Paullier

Dan Carden

Sanjana Sanghi

Terry Otieno

Arguments

Summit of the Future as once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape multilateralism

Importance of translating summit aspirations into concrete actions

Need for youth to be architects of their own future

Youth involvement in preparatory process and advocacy

Summary

Speakers agreed on the significance of the Summit of the Future as a key opportunity to reshape global governance and ensure youth participation.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being and development of children and youth, particularly in challenging environments such as conflict zones.

Speakers

José Maria Pereira Neves

Areej

Arguments

Accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Promoting peace, security and development for youth

Protecting children’s rights and futures in conflict zones

Unexpected Consensus

Diversity and inclusion in global representation

Speakers

Keshia De Freece Lawrence

Felipe Paullier

Hello Kitty

Arguments

Recognizing indigenous peoples and lands

Overcoming barriers to youth participation

Respecting differences while finding common ground

Explanation

Despite their diverse backgrounds and roles, these speakers all emphasized the importance of inclusivity and respecting differences in global representation, which was an unexpected area of consensus.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement centered around youth empowerment, the importance of the Summit of the Future, addressing global challenges, and promoting diversity and inclusion in global representation.

Consensus level

There was a high level of consensus among the speakers on the importance of youth involvement in global decision-making processes. This strong agreement implies a unified push towards reforming global governance structures to be more inclusive of youth perspectives, which could potentially lead to more youth-focused policies and initiatives in the future.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The speakers generally presented aligned views on youth empowerment and engagement in global decision-making, with slight variations in focus and approach.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among the speakers was minimal. The slight differences in emphasis and approach do not significantly impact the overall message of youth empowerment and engagement. This alignment suggests a strong consensus on the importance of youth participation in shaping the future, which could facilitate more effective implementation of youth-focused initiatives.

Partial Agreements

Both speakers emphasize the importance of the Summit of the Future, but Paullier focuses on reshaping multilateralism and youth involvement, while Carden stresses the role of parliaments in implementing the summit’s goals.

Speakers

Felipe Paullier

Dan Carden

Arguments

Summit of the Future as once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape multilateralism

Importance of translating summit aspirations into concrete actions

Both speakers advocate for increased youth participation in decision-making, but Carden specifically focuses on parliamentary representation, while Sanghi emphasizes broader engagement across various sectors.

Speakers

Dan Carden

Sanjana Sanghi

Arguments

Need for increased youth participation in political processes

Importance of youth voices in shaping the future

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being and development of children and youth, particularly in challenging environments such as conflict zones.

Speakers

José Maria Pereira Neves

Areej

Arguments

Accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Promoting peace, security and development for youth

Protecting children’s rights and futures in conflict zones

Key Takeaways

The establishment of the UN Youth Office marks a significant milestone for youth representation in global decision-making

There is a critical need to increase youth participation in political processes and global governance

The Summit of the Future and Pact for the Future present a unique opportunity to reshape multilateralism with youth at the center

Addressing global challenges like climate change, inequality, and conflict requires meaningful youth engagement

Diversity, inclusion and representation of different youth voices (including indigenous youth) is crucial

Resolutions and Action Items

Engage youth in the preparatory process and advocacy for the Summit of the Future

Increase youth representation in parliaments through measures like youth quotas

Provide youth with opportunities for engagement in private sector, government, UN and academia

Use hashtags #YouthLead and #OurCommonFuture to join online conversations about youth action

Unresolved Issues

Specific mechanisms to overcome barriers to youth participation in global forums

Details on how to translate summit aspirations into concrete policy actions

Ways to address the widening gap between rich and poor that impacts youth

Concrete steps to protect children’s rights and futures in ongoing conflict zones

Suggested Compromises

Balance between respecting differences and finding common ground among diverse youth voices

Combining hopeful vision for the future with realistic assessment of current challenges

The establishment of the United Nations Youth Office as a specialized mechanism for youth affairs in the United Nations Secretariat is the biggest testament of this journey. Backed by strong political support from member states, it is a significant shift in our commitment on youth issues.

Speaker

Felipe Paullier

Reason

This statement highlights a major institutional change in how the UN engages with youth, signaling a new era of youth involvement in global governance.

Impact

It framed the subsequent discussion around the increased role and responsibility of youth in shaping global policy and action.

Despite more than half the world’s population being under the age of 30, only 2.8% of Members of Parliament are under 30.

Speaker

Dan Carden

Reason

This statistic starkly illustrates the underrepresentation of youth in political leadership, challenging assumptions about youth participation.

Impact

It sparked discussion about the need for more youth representation in decision-making bodies and concrete actions to achieve this.

All we ask is for a seat at the tables of change. All we ask is to be given genuine opportunities of engagement, whether it is in the private sector, in the government, at the United Nations or in academia. All we ask is for our voices to be heard because we matter and our voice matters.

Speaker

Sanjana Sanghi

Reason

This passionate plea encapsulates the core demand of youth for meaningful inclusion and representation across all sectors.

Impact

It served as a powerful closing statement, reinforcing the central theme of youth empowerment and setting the stage for future action and engagement.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by progressively building a case for increased youth involvement in global decision-making. Starting with acknowledgment of historical context and indigenous rights, the conversation moved through institutional changes at the UN, stark realities of current youth underrepresentation, and culminated in a call for meaningful inclusion. This progression created a narrative arc that emphasized the urgency and importance of youth action and representation in addressing global challenges.

2024 marks 400 years since the dutch invasion of the lenapehoking territory. traditional umami, munsee, and algonquin dialects of lands, commonly referred to as new york, new jersey, connecticut, delaware, pennsylvania, and pockets of others such as massachusetts and ohio. as eastern woodlands indigenous peoples, we have codified our akwenee, our peace, since time immemorial because it has always been dependent on aki, the earth.

Speaker

Keshia De Freece Lawrence

Reason

This comment provides important historical context and highlights the deep connection between indigenous peoples and the land, challenging listeners to consider a longer historical perspective.

Impact

It set a tone of acknowledging indigenous history and rights, which influenced subsequent speakers to consider inclusivity and representation.

How can we address the barriers (visa, language, financial) that many young people face when trying to participate in UN spaces?

Speaker

Felipe Paullier

Explanation

Addressing these barriers is crucial for ensuring more inclusive and diverse youth participation in global decision-making processes.

How can we implement the ideas discussed at the UN level at the grassroots level?

Speaker

Terry Otieno

Explanation

Bridging the gap between high-level discussions and local implementation is essential for creating real-world impact.

How can we increase youth representation in parliaments, given that only 2.8% of Members of Parliament are under 30?

Speaker

Dan Carden

Explanation

Increasing youth representation in formal political structures is crucial for ensuring young people’s voices are heard in decision-making processes.

How can we ensure that young people are not just inheritors of the future but active architects of it?

Speaker

Sanjana Sanghi

Explanation

Empowering youth to actively shape their future is essential for addressing global challenges effectively.

How can we create more opportunities for genuine youth engagement in private sector, government, UN, and academia?

Speaker

Sanjana Sanghi

Explanation

Providing meaningful opportunities for youth engagement across various sectors is crucial for harnessing their potential and perspectives.