Deputy Secretary-General Urges Youth to Engage Actively in United Nations Processes
Following the launch of the Core Principles for Meaningful Youth Participation in Intergovernmental Processes and UN Work, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized the importance of youth involvement in global decision-making. Speaking in New York on March 16, 2026, she highlighted the collaborative effort that led to these principles, which aim to ensure that young voices are not only heard but also actively included in shaping policies that affect their futures. This initiative marks a significant step towards accountability and transparency in youth participation at the United Nations.
Significance of the Core Principles
The Core Principles for Meaningful Youth Participation represent a groundbreaking effort to formalize the role of young people in intergovernmental processes. Amina Mohammed noted that these principles are the first of their kind, providing a concrete operational framework that outlines what meaningful youth participation entails and identifies who is responsible for ensuring its implementation. The principles emerged from the Pact for the Future, reflecting a commitment to integrating youth perspectives into global discussions. Mohammed expressed gratitude to the youth networks and Member States that contributed to the development of these principles, emphasizing that this moment is a culmination of extensive consultations and collaborative efforts.
Tracking Commitments to Youth Participation
One of the key features of the newly launched principles is a monitoring tool designed to track commitments made by Member States regarding youth participation. This tool aims to enhance accountability by allowing young individuals to see what promises their governments have made and whether those commitments have been fulfilled. Mohammed highlighted that, for the first time, young people from various regions, including Kampala and Karachi, will have access to information about their governments’ pledges. This transparency is expected to empower youth and encourage them to hold their leaders accountable for delivering on promises related to their involvement in decision-making processes.
Addressing Gender and Youth Intersectionality
The launch of the Core Principles coincided with the Commission on the Status of Women, underscoring the intersectionality of youth and gender issues. Mohammed pointed out that young women often face compounded barriers due to their age and gender, which can hinder their participation in critical discussions. The principles aim to address these dual challenges by promoting an inclusive approach that recognizes the unique experiences of young women. By doing so, the UN seeks to dismantle the barriers that prevent young people, particularly young women, from fully engaging in processes that affect their lives and futures.
A Call to Action for Young People
In her remarks, Amina Mohammed urged young people to actively engage with the principles and hold the UN accountable for their implementation. She encouraged them to “make noise” and assert their presence in discussions, emphasizing that their voices are essential for meaningful change. Mohammed’s message was clear: the responsibility for ensuring youth participation lies not only with institutions but also with the young individuals themselves. As the UN raises the bar for youth engagement, the call to action is for everyone involved to work collaboratively to ensure that no young person is left behind in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable future.
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