How can systems of policy and governance at the United Nations and beyond benefit from the full contributions of each new generation to address contemporary global challenges?

This was at the heart of a series of monthly intergenerational gatherings hosted by the Baha’i International Community United Nations Office (BIC) and the Major Group for Children and Youth.   

The series, entitled “Youth are Pillars of Society,” was launched after the ECOSOC Youth Forum in April and concluded at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July. Its proceedings were synthesized in a summary document released today, as well as a collection of video highlights. 

“The high level of engagement and collaboration achieved through the organization of this series offered all of us involved in the process a glimpse into the potentialities young people possess, to bring actors in multilateral spaces together for meaningful engagement on a number of issues,” said Lili Nkunzimana, a Representative of the BIC and one of the series’ organizers. 

“I sincerely hope that this is only the beginning of fostering such spaces that can contribute to collective efforts across sectors to draw on the unique contributions of young people in policy making decision processes at the international level,” Ms. Nkunzimana continued.

Topics addressed in the series’ four events included fostering quality education for a changing world, the role of youth and elders in advancing gender equality, and creating enabling environments for intergenerational partnership. In all, around 180 participants attended at least one of the meetings. 

“There is no sustainability without youth. We cannot talk about sustainable development without including younger people. That’s why this agenda is very important,” said Khaled Emam, an Organizing Partner at the Major Group for Children and Youth, and one of the co-organizers of the series. 

“Younger people are working on the frontlines. Younger people are connected to the communities,” Mr. Emam continued. “In very difficult situations, young people are trying to build peace, supporting communities, and strengthening human rights.”