Leading up to a pivotal week dedicated to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future, the Baha'i International Community (BIC) hosted an event titled “Pact for the Future - Chapter 4: Youth and Future Generations,” marking continued support toward the highly anticipated Summit of the Future, scheduled for September 2024. The event focused on themes of multilateral cooperation, youth engagement, and reimagining global governance, placing youth and children at the forefront. 

The 12th session event, as part of BIC’s ongoing Road to Summit Discussion Series, provided a vital opportunity for dialogue around youth engagement and the preservation of future generations. The event attracted over 140 participants from around the globe, including over 30 Member State delegates, both in person and online, and featured lead-off speakers Ambassador Brian Wallace of Jamaica and Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. 

“The international community, indeed the United Nations, stands to benefit from this reservoir of young people eager to serve humanity,” said Cecilia Schirmeister, BIC Representative, in opening remarks. “How then, can meaningful youth engagement be measured not only by voices being heard, but by the extent to which youth inclusion leads to more impactful outcomes?”  

The dialogue presented by key Member States, UN representatives, and youth and civil society leaders revolved around intergenerational collaboration and ensuring meaningful youth engagement in decision-making processes, particularly those surrounding the Summit of the Future. The discussion also stressed the need to consider future generations and the protection of young people. 

“When I think about this process, I try to put myself a century in advance and imagine what we’ve achieved, what we want to achieve, and what were the steps we took today to get us there?” said Daniel Perell, BIC representative. “I think that kind of vision is what the Summit of the Future offers us.” 

A summary of the discussion is available here.