High-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth

Panel 2: Full, effective and meaningful youth participation, at national and international levels, for the benefit of current and future generations

Thursday, 25 September 2025 United Nations Headquarters, New York

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, leaders of today and tomorrow,

As we gather here today, we celebrate not only all that has been achieved in the last 30 years of the World Programme of Action for Youth, but we also have an opportunity to build on those achievements to ensure more full, effective and meaningful participation of the young citizens of the world.

It is striking that roughly half of the world’s population is under 30. They are leading the way in tackling the world’s most urgent challenges and are the primary stakeholders of tomorrow. So – without a doubt – it is in the interests of current and future generations, and the world as a whole, that the youth of today participate effectively and meaningfully in making decisions about tomorrow. But in order to achieve that, we must adopt multifaceted strategies; we need to invest in education systems that not only impart knowledge but also cultivate critical thinking, leadership, and civic engagement skills among youth. Programs that promote skills for the 21st century—such as digital literacy and environmental stewardship—are essential. In this digital and Artificial Intelligence age, technology serves as a powerful tool for young people to mobilize, advocate, and collaborate. We must create safe online spaces where they can express their views, engage with policymakers, and take part in global dialogues.

Today I will give you the example of Iraq where I have the honour to serve as the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). In Iraq, great strides have been made in the last 30 years. Iraq has a vibrant, youthful population, with under fifteens alone making up 36% of the population. Iraqi youth have demonstrated their resilience time and again as the country repeatedly overcame outbreaks of conflict, foreign occupation, terrorism and civil strife. They have picked up the pieces and look forwards, rather than backwards, as they rebuild their lives and chart the course of their country together.

Besides the resilience of its youth, Iraq has implemented strategies and measures to ensure their meaningful participation in shaping the country’s future. In 2023, a Higher Council for Youth was established. Chaired by the Prime Minister but with active participation of young representatives, it mainstreams and incorporates youth perspectives in governance and decision-making at the highest level, reinforced by a cross-ministerial permanent committee. Young citizens also participate in Iraq’s engagements at the international level. For example, with support from UNICEF, 160 children and youth have contributed to Iraq’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

As the United Nations, we also have a duty to ensure our decision-making is meaningfully informed by young members of the societies we serve. In Iraq, the United Nations established a Youth Advisory Council made up of 13 young leaders aged 17 to 24 in January of this year, with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. In furthering the UN Youth Strategy 2030, the platform engages young Iraqis in shaping UN policies and monitoring progress for all our activities spanning sustainable development, peace and human rights.

There are important lessons to draw from these experiences. For one, young people need to be in the room, at the table, and actively part of the conversations and decisions shaping the future that is ultimately theirs. Full participation is essential and, in order for it to be effective and meaningful, there need to be robust institutions to amplify young people’s voices. This means not only giving them a seat at the table but ensuring that their voices are heard, respected, and integrated into the policies and actions that shape our societies. It requires appropriate budgetary allocations, which the Government has provided in supporting permanent structures engaging youth representatives.

And finally, participation needs to be inclusive. What does this mean in practice? It means equal participation of young women and men, of youth from different socio-economic backgrounds, from rural as well as urban areas, and of young persons with disabilities. In a country with a rich tapestry of interwoven communities such as Iraq, it also means equitable and representative participation of youth from different ethno-religious backgrounds.

Iraq’s experience is instructive for the world, and there are many valuable lessons to be learned. As we gather here today to mark 30 years since the adoption of the World Programme, let us learn from each other – and from young participants in particular – how we can engage and amplify the voices of tomorrow in laying the groundwork for a better world today. Together, let us pave the way for a world that values youth not just as beneficiaries of policies but as architects of our shared future. The time is now to invest in their potential, to listen to their dreams, and to realize that this is not merely about youth. This is about the health and sustainability of our world—for them and for all generations to come.