By Zayamu Hassan
The United Nations has advocated for the involvement of young people in processes of disarmament and non- proliferation.
The UN Disarmament Chief, Izumi Nakamitsu stated this in a video message to a special session of the UN Conference on Disarmament, held in Geneva, Switzerland, to mark the 2021 International Youth Day.
According to her, with 40 per cent of the global population under 25, the international community has a special responsibility to ensure young people can share their perspectives and concerns about existential threats to current and future generations.
She said as in all other multinational domains, inclusiveness is necessary to achieve the ultimate objectives of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, “and for the effectiveness and sustainability of the agreements that we reach and the work that we do.”
Nakamitsu stressed that in recent years, a “paradigm shift” has occurred regarding the important role young people have in peace and security.
“In his agenda for disarmament, the UN Secretary-General acknowledges the tremendous force of young people in bringing about change in the world, the crucial role they play in successful campaigns and the new and innovative ways in which they interact, organize and mobilize to advance bold solutions for the future,” she said.
Ms. Nakamitsu reiterated that the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), which she heads, has also launched initiatives to engage, educate and empower young people.
“We do so to enable inclusion to build platforms and to ensure collaboration. We do so to forge a community that will thrive with an ever-increasing youth participation,” she noted.
The dedicated session of the Conference on Disarmament signified “a tremendous step towards engaging and empowering the leaders of tomorrow,” Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN Youth Envoy, told participants.
She stressed that: “Even in the face of adversity with the ongoing global pandemic, young people have continued to rise to the challenges of our time, as essential workers, innovators, leaders, advocators, and partners.
“With such numbers, it is clear that sustainable development and peace cannot be achieved unless we involve and include young people in our discussions and decision-making.
“We must facilitate the conditions that allow them to reach and unleash their full potential.”
Ms. Wickramanayake encouraged countries to create platforms so that young people can participate in shaping the common global future, saying that, “I also encourage Member States to invest in youth-led initiatives, while continuing to strengthen the trust between the institutions and young people.”
