UN Chief Advocates for Youth Political Engagement | ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024

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Published Jun 22, 2024

Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The energy and conviction of young people are infectious, and more vital than ever,” saluting to young people around the world for standing up, speaking out and working for real change.

Guterres today (16 Apr) spoke at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum in New York.

He reiterated that he is “fully committed to bringing young people into political decision-making; not just listening to your views, but acting on them.”

The UN chief also said, “Israel’s military operations in Gaza, following the devastating terror attacks by Hamas on 7 October, are having an appalling impact on civilians – including young people.”

He added, “Thousands of children have been killed. Thousands more have lost one or both parents. And one hundred per cent of young people in Gaza – every single child – is out of school. It is high time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, the protection of civilians, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.”

The Secretary-General also urged all Member States to get behind UN’s proposals, “and I ask young people to join forces with allies and partners across civil society – to demand that governments make the Summit count,” he added.

“You can start by supporting the Summit of the Future digital campaigns we are launching today: Take on the ActNow challenge – and share it with your networks – to show leaders how many of us demand a sustainable future for all; And sign the open letter to world leaders on reviving multilateralism, launched today by the United Nations Youth Office,” Guterres said.

The UN Chief highlighted, “Our climate is in meltdown. And the poorest are paying the price. This is breathtaking injustice. And a terrible betrayal of your generation.”

He continued, “Governments need to adopt strong policies to accelerate the global phase-out of fossil fuels and a just transition to clean energy. They need to create new national climate plans by 2025 that align with the 1.5 degree Celsius limit; And they need to bring young people into this work – meaningfully. The transition to renewables must be just, and it must be sustainable.”