By Alexa Dominqiue Pascual

09/24/2024

 

It was a great honor to be invited to the Summit of the Future, an initiative under the United Nations General Assembly. This summit represents a new effort by the UN and its member states to develop policies aimed at shaping a better future, particularly in advancing digital equity, equality, peace and security, and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dedicated to future generations, the summit empowers young leaders to contribute to a more sustainable world.

Attending this event provided a valuable opportunity to engage with officials and share insights on the challenges youth face in foreign policy. As the United Nations Association of the United States of America SDG 5 (Gender Equality) Global Goals Ambassador and a youth delegate to the DMUN Foundation, I was privileged to amplify female voices and highlight the importance of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. This agenda is a critical framework for preventing gender-based violence, increasing women's participation in diplomacy, improving access to education, ensuring justice for women in conflict zones, and promoting diversity in leadership.

My role as a Global Goals Ambassador allows me to represent civil society and advocate for women's rights both at the UN and across the United States. This platform offers a meaningful way to elevate community voices and engage youth in global governance. Through my work with NGOs, I have the opportunity to bring the concerns of civil society directly to world leaders and senior UN officials—an experience that underscores the increasing recognition of youth and grassroots organizations at the UN.

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The Role of Youth in Diplomacy

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As a young person in diplomatic spaces, it can be challenging to have your voice heard. Navigating diplomacy requires persistence, as youth participation is often undervalued by traditional policymakers. However, despite these obstacles, young leaders remain determined to drive change and enhance collaboration between civil society, the UN, and government officials.

Encouragingly, the Pact for the Future has been adopted with the support of nearly all democratic nations. This development signals a commitment to strengthening youth leadership and advancing human rights, particularly in conflict-affected regions. In line with this progress, the US Department of State has contributed to the Global Digital Compact, a policy focused on enhancing digital technologies, combating misinformation, ensuring safe online spaces, advancing artificial intelligence, and preventing human trafficking in digital spaces.

The summit also underscored the urgent need to protect Ukraine and counter Russian aggression, reinforcing the global agenda for peace and justice. Member states reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding civilians and ensuring security in times of crisis.

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The Future of Global Governance

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The evolution of international governance is evident in the increasing inclusion of youth voices at high-level diplomatic summits. Addressing totalitarian aggression, foreign interference in cyberspace, and human rights violations in the digital realm is more critical than ever. These pressing issues must be tackled to protect citizens and uphold democratic values.

Digital media has become a powerful instrument in foreign policy, underscoring its importance in diplomatic negotiations. Now more than ever, youth are empowered to shape global discourse and drive meaningful change. In every conflict, women and children disproportionately suffer, making it essential for young leaders to have a seat at the table. By ensuring that youth perspectives are reflected in policymaking at the United Nations General Assembly, we move closer to a more inclusive and just world.

As we continue advocating for youth participation in governance, we help protect future generations and amplify the voices of young leaders worldwide.

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To read the full document click on the link down below:

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https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/sotf-pact_for_the_future_adopted.pdf