European Youth Forum at the Third Committee of the United Nations

This week the European Youth Forum, as well as youth delegates from 34 countries, are attending the Third Committee of the United Nations in New York.

The Youth Delegates, many of whom who received training from the European Youth Forum in the run up to the Third Committee of the General Assembly, all addressed member states of the UN during the general debate at the Committee. The delegates mainly focused on issues of youth participation, quality education and the role of youth in sustainable development in their statements.

The Third Committee addresses agenda items relating to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

The Committee is focusing during this session, in particular, on the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self- determination. In addition, the Committee addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, ageing, persons with disabilities.

As well as participating in the formal moments of the Committee, youth delegates this week tried to raise the profile of youth issues by organising side events, including on topics such as youth leadership in peace and security, the impact of media on attitudes towards refugees, migrants and other vulnerable groups, and youth diplomacy in the 21st century.

At a time when the big news from the UN Headquarters is focusing on the nomination of the next UN Secretary-General, who will lead the organisation for at least the next five years, ensuring increased attention to youth and pushing for more and better youth participation is all the more important. The European Youth Forum strongly believes that young people have the right to participate in the United Nations and its formal decision making processes. Youth delegates are one way that youth organisations and young people can have their voices heard, but we call for increased formal youth participation in all parts of the UN.