Aleksandar Ljubomirović is Assistant Editor of Horizons and a former Junior Research Fellow at the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development. You may follow him on X @a_ljubomirovic.

In September 2024, world leaders will convene at the Summit of the Future, a landmark event for the United Nations designed to address the most pressing global challenges through a collaborative and forward-thinking effort. Both effective global cooperation and a future-oriented strategy are becoming increasingly important to ensure the bare survival of the planet. At the same time, these will be extremely difficult to achieve in an atmosphere of mistrust and by using outdated mechanisms and structures unfit for today’s political and economic realities. The Summit of the Future thus comes as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, serving as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively achieve agreed-upon goals and tackle emerging threats and opportunities—as was the case with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development back in 2015, a symbolic and peak year for multilateralism.

Youth delegates at the Youth Climate Summit in 2019

 

Among the key pillars of the rejuvenating 2024 UN Summit of the Future, youth stand out as a cornerstone, reflecting the demographic potential to drive significant and lasting change. The Summit underscores the pivotal role of youth within the UN agenda, emphasizing their contributions, not just as passive participants, but as essential stakeholders in shaping the future. Another confirmation of the rising importance of youth within the UN system was the ECOSOC Youth Forum held on April 18th, 2024, which symbolized a critical juncture in youth engagement with global governance by focusing on their role at the upcoming Summit of the Future. The outcome of the Forum was an informal summary produced by the President of ECOSOC and a Presidential Statement as input to the Summit of the Future. Moreover, the Forum adopted the ‘Voices of Youth,’ a document co-produced by youth entities and organizations, which will serve as a direct call from young people to act on the current challenges they are facing as well as the expectations they have from the international community. By highlighting unique perspectives, but also current issues and challenges, of young people, the ‘Voices of Youth’ enriches policy dialogues and decisionmaking processes with fresh ideas and innovative solutions.

Although, the past few decades resulted in transformative shifts, with the youth increasingly recognized as vital agents of change, innovation, and progress, much more work remains to be done in order to elevate the role and importance of youth regarding their involvement at all levels of decisionmaking and global governance. Young people worldwide have often been marginalized in decisionmaking processes, and their voices overshadowed by those deemed more experienced and authoritative. Therefore, the upcoming UN Summit of the Future has a unique opportunity to initiate a truly historic ‘turning of the tides’ moment on youth engagement.

 

The UN’s Role in the Evolution of Youth Involvement

The struggle of youth to increase their involvement in global governance has a rich historical background, marked by gradual evolution and increasing recognition. Throughout history, youth were often sidelined in decisionmaking processes at local, national, and international levels, with their voices seldom heard in significant global fora. Despite their vast potential to contribute to societal development and their stake in future outcomes, young people have frequently been excluded from meaningful participation in policy formulation and governance. However, the tides have begun to change slowly but implicitly, especially in recent decades, with the establishment of various youth-centric initiatives and fora. In this respect, the UN has been instrumental in elevating the position of youth in global governance and decisionmaking processes, beginning with the launch of the International Youth Year in 1985, which first raised awareness about the importance of youth. This event aimed to highlight the contributions of young people to global peace and development and marked the beginning of a concerted effort to integrate youth perspectives into global dialogues.

A decade would pass by until the UN undertook the next concrete step towards enhancing youth involvement on the highest level by adopting the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) in 1995, which provided a policy framework and practical guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young people. The UN’s WPAY identified 10 priority areas, including education, employment, hunger and poverty, health, environment, drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, leisure-time activities, girls and young women, and participation. Today, WPAY serves as a guiding framework for governments, international organizations, civil society, and other major stakeholders to develop policies and programs that support the wellbeing and development of young people globally. The next momentous leap was initiated by launching the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum in 2012, which specifically aimed to integrate youth voices into the work of the United Nations. This annual initiative allows young people to engage directly with member states and contribute to policy discussions, focusing specifically on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Additionally, the appointment of a UN Youth Envoy has also been a substantial step in the institutionalization process of youth representation within the UN system. The Youth Envoy acts as a bridge between young people and the United Nations, advocating for their interests and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of policymaking.

Besides the successfully implemented ‘UN Youth Envoy’ initiative, the Youth Delegates Program has also been gaining in importance over the course of the last couple of years, especially in terms of youth representation. Nowadays, many member states include youth delegates in their official delegations to the UN General Assembly as well as other major UN meetings and bodies. Youth delegates participate in discussions, contribute to negotiations, and ensure that youth perspectives are included in the outcomes of these meetings and decisionmaking processes of the UN bodies. Finally, there is the noteworthy “Youth 2030: The United Nations Youth Strategy,” launched in 2018, which represents the UN’s first-ever system-wide strategy on youth. It recognizes the important role that young people play in achieving the SDGs and calls for increased investment in youth development programs and policies, which would enhance youth engagement in global issues. In general, Youth 2030 aims to scale up global, regional, and national actions to meet young people’s needs, realize their rights, and tap into their potential as advocates of change.

Through a combination of years of dedication to the issue and a number of action plans, forums, institutional roles, and strategic frameworks that have been crafted since, the UN has meaningfully elevated the role of youth in global governance, and has made efforts to ensure that young people are empowered throughout the world. These milestones have all but set the stage for the upcoming Summit of the Future, where young people are not just participants, but central actors driving the agenda. The Summit will have an historic opportunity to further institutionalize and elevate youth involvement, especially among marginalized groups and underrepresented regions, ensuring that their voices shape the future of global policies and actions. Therefore, the imminent Summit of the Future could represent a culmination of UN efforts to integrate youth into the decisionmaking processes and determine the course of youth engagement in global governance in the future.

 

The Summit & Main Objectives for Youth Inclusion

Major global shocks in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict, and the triple planetary crisis (climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss), have challenged the international institutions, as well as the trust and cooperation between states. Consequently, the Summit of the Future and its planned outcome—an action-oriented document called the Pact for the Future—have been framed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take cooperation on critical challenges to a new level and address the countless gaps in global governance. The Summit will reaffirm existing commitments and build upon established frameworks such as the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, in order to move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system better positioned to impact people’s lives positively and achieve shared aspirations. Therefore, the 2024 Summit of the Future is a pivotal gathering uniting leaders from across the globe to redefine the path towards a brighter present, and a more secure and sustainable tomorrow. This unique occasion presents an opportunity to rebuild trust and showcase the power of international collaboration in addressing both current and emerging challenges. The Summit’s multifaced objectives encompass a plethora of contemporary global issues, from climate change and technological advancements to social equity and global health. At its core, the UN Summit of the Future seeks collaborative solutions and innovative approaches that can steer the world towards a more resilient and equitable future.

The UN aims to achieve this primarily through the Pact for the Future. The Pact itself will be negotiated and endorsed by countries in the lead-up to and during the Summit of the Future, whereas the UN officially describes its projected results as “a world—and an international system—that is better prepared to manage the challenges we face now and, in the future, for the sake of all humanity and for future generations.” One of the most critical pillars in the implementation of the Summit’s multifaceted objectives and one of the central pieces of the mosaic is, and will be, youth. The Summit is designed to harness the energy, creativity, and forward-thinking perspectives of young people, ensuring that their voices are integral to shaping the policies and strategies that will define the future. Therefore, the Summit places youth at the forefront of its agenda, recognizing their significant potential and demographic dividend. By prioritizing youth, the Summit acknowledges that the solutions to tomorrow’s challenges must be inclusive of the generation that will inherit and navigate these realities.

In order to reaffirm the importance of youth at the September 2024 event and generate additional opportunities for the engagement of all actors, the UN is convening the Summit of the Future Action Days on September 20-21st, 2024, at the UN Headquarters in New York. Kicking off with a dedicated, youth-led afternoon on Friday, September 20th, the Action Days will build momentum and prepare their contributions for the formal part of the Summit. There are also provisions in the Modalities Resolution for the Summit of the Future for youth participation in the Summit. The opening segment of the Summit will include statements by youth representatives selected by the President of the General Assembly in consultation with UN member states. Additionally, young people will have the opportunity to participate in the Summit either as part of UN member states’ official delegations or representatives of entities with a standing invitation to participate as observers, non-governmental organizations that hold a consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, stakeholders from the civil society, academia, and the private sector.

Lastly, all UN member states and other stakeholders are encouraged by the President of the General Assembly to include young people as part of their delegations to facilitate their involvement. By fostering an environment that promotes youth engagement and inclusivity, the Summit aims to harness the perspectives of young people in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for everyone, everywhere. Therefore, the Summit of the Future acknowledges that young people are not mere beneficiaries but active stakeholders in shaping policies and driving innovation. By involving youth in decisionmaking processes, advocating for their rights, and utilizing their creativity and energy, the Summit once more aims to harness the immense potential of young people as catalysts for positive change on a global scale.

 

The Pact for the Future

Besides the Summit’s official events, its action-oriented document, called the Pact for the Future, serves as a guiding framework. This document is an ambitious agenda that inter alia prioritizes youth as critical stakeholders in the global dialogue on sustainable development and underscores the necessity of integrating youth perspectives and addressing their unique needs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for comprehensive approaches to education, employment, civic engagement, mental health, environmental sustainability, digital inclusion, and gender equality in order to (a) ensure that young people are equipped with the necessary tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society, and (b) to empower young people as agents of change, building a just, equitable, and sustainable world. In general, the Summit of the Future, guided by the Pact, seeks to operationalize these priorities through a series of strategic initiatives and policy recommendations and aims to deliver transformative solutions for youth.

In this respect, education is undoubtedly at the forefront of the Pact’s agenda. Recognizing that quality education is a fundamental right and cornerstone for personal and societal development, the Summit aims to bridge the educational gaps that many young people face worldwide. This involves enhancing access to education, particularly in underprivileged and marginalized communities, through increased investment in educational infrastructure, digital learning platforms, and teacher training programs. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on aligning educational curricula with the demands of the twenty-first-century job market, integrating skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, and environmental stewardship. By ensuring that all young people have access to high-quality education, the Summit predominantly aims to create a generation of informed, capable, and adaptable individuals who can navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

In addition to education, the Pact also addresses the wearisome issue of youth unemployment. In that regard, the Summit proposes a multifaceted strategy to create sustainable employment opportunities for young people. This includes fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports young innovators and startups through access to capital, mentorship, and networks. Governments and private sector partnerships are encouraged to develop apprenticeship programs and vocational training that provide practical experience and pathways to stable employment. Moreover, policies aimed at ensuring fair wages, decent working conditions, and social protection for young workers are advocated to combat exploitation and underemployment. These measures are crucial for building an inclusive economy where young people can thrive and contribute to economic growth and innovation. By addressing the structural barriers to youth employment, the Summit aims to foster a dynamic labor market that values and leverages the potential of young people.

Furthermore, civic engagement and political participation are also key components of the youth agenda in the Pact for the Future. The Summit therefore recognizes that young people must be active participants in the decisionmaking processes that affect their lives and futures. To this end, it calls for the establishment of youth councils and advisory boards at local, national, and international levels, ensuring that youth voices are heard on policy formulation. Additionally, initiatives to promote civic education and encourage youth participation in democratic processes are highlighted as well. This includes exploiting the benefits of digital platforms to facilitate greater political engagement and advocacy among young people. By empowering youth to take an active role in governance and civic life, the United Nations seeks to foster a culture of democracy, accountability, and social justice.

One of the crucial points underlined by the Pact for the Future is mental health as well as the wellbeing of young people. The Summit acknowledges the growing mental health challenges faced by young people, exacerbated by factors such as climate anxiety, social media pressures, economic uncertainties, as well as the consequences of the lockdown policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, it advocates for comprehensive mental health support systems, including accessible counselling services, awareness campaigns, and integration of mental health education into school curricula. By prioritizing mental health, the Summit strives to create supportive environments where young people can thrive emotionally and psychologically, enabling them to realize their full potential. It is important to note that mental health initiatives are crucial for fostering resilience and wellbeing in a generation where young people face unprecedented challenges and pressures.

Environmental sustainability is another pillar of the Pact for the Future, with young people at the vanguard of climate action movements worldwide. The Summit seeks to build on this momentum by promoting youth-led environmental initiatives and incorporating sustainability principles into all aspects of education and employment. This includes supporting youth-driven solutions to environmental challenges, such as innovative technologies and community-based conversation projects. Additionally, the Summit emphasizes the importance of intergenerational collaboration recognizing that sustainable development efforts must be inclusive and participatory, involving both young people and older generations in a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. By empowering young environmental leaders, the Summit aims to foster a culture of sustainability that transcends generations.

Finally, the Pact for the Future also addresses the importance of digital inclusion and technological empowerment for youth. In an era where digital skills are increasingly essential, the Summit advocates for policies that ensure all young people have access to the internet and digital tools. This involves investing in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and providing training programs that enhance digital literacy and skills. Moreover, the Summit promotes gender equality, calling for efforts to eliminate disparities in education, employment, and political participation. By promoting gender equality, the Summit aims to create an inclusive environment where all youth can thrive.

 

The Transformative Potential of Youth Engagement

Many would say that the role entrusted to youth and youth-led organizations at the Summit of the Future is perhaps somewhat overestimated and exaggerated. Nevertheless, the enormous role entrusted to youth by the UN is not unjustified, which they have certainly proven on many occasions in the past. In that regard, the UN is one of the few international organizations that have understood the transformative potential of youth engagement on all levels of governance and that youth are not just passive recipients of policies, but dynamic advocates for change. On the other side, young people have also proven on several occasions that their contribution to burning global issues is not unwarranted and that their substantial engagement in global forums led to transformative outcomes, as they brought new energy, perspectives, and solutions to the table. The concept of youth as advocates for change is exemplified by various youth-led initiatives that have made significant impacts, especially on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, young leaders have been at the forefront of efforts to promote clean energy, reduce inequality, and improve education. Therefore, by participating in global fora such as the Summit of the Future, youth can amplify their impact and contribute to shaping policies that address the most pressing challenges of our time.

There have been numerous success stories of youth-led initiatives over the past years, and this trend is unlikely to be reversed. For example, the Malala Fund particularly stands out, which was founded in 2013 by Malala Yousafzai, a young activist and Nobel Prize laureate. The fund has since significantly advanced the cause of girls’ education worldwide. The Malala Fund works to ensure girls around the world have access to 12 years of free, safe, and quality education, and furthermore advocates for policy changes, invests in local education leaders, and amplifies the voices of girls fighting for their right to education. Through their initiatives, the Malala Fund has made a significant impact in improving educational opportunities for girls in underserved communities and empowering them to become agents of change in their societies.

Similarly, the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), a youth-led organization, has played a crucial role in empowering young people to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Through various initiatives and campaigns, the GYBN engages youth in biodiversity conservation efforts, raises awareness, and influences policy decisions at local, national, and international levels. Moreover, there is also the Ocean Cleanup project, which is a non-profit organization founded by Boyan Slat, a Dutch inventor and entrepreneur dedicated to developing advanced technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic pollution. Their innovative systems aim to capture plastic debris, preventing it from harming marine life and ecosystems. By deploying these technologies and raising awareness about the issue of ocean plastic pollution, the Ocean Clean-up project has made a significant impact in cleaning up the oceans and inspiring global action towards a cleaner and healthier marine environment.

Lastly, movements such as the Fridays for Future have significantly altered the discourse on climate change. Fridays for Future is a youth-led international movement that began with Greta Thunberg’s solo school strike for climate action outside the Swedish Parliament in August 2018. Inspired by her dedication, students worldwide started participating in weekly strikes, skipping school on Fridays to protest government inaction on climate change. The movement quickly gained momentum, organizing massive global strikes and marches where young people demanded urgent climate action, calling on world leaders to prioritize environmental sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. The movement has not only raised awareness about the climate crisis but has also influenced policy decisions and sparked important conversations about the need for immediate and ambitious climate action at all levels of society.

These examples highlight the transformative potential of youth engagement, and the significant contributions young people can make to global development. Youth-led organizations and movements have therefore been instrumental in advocating human rights, gender equality, environmental action, sustainability, and social justice. Young people bring a unique perspective to global discussions, characterized by optimism, innovation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Unlike older generations who may be more entrenched in traditional ways of thinking, young people are often more open to new ideas and approaches. This openness is crucial in addressing complex global issues that require fresh thinking and innovative solutions. Moreover, youth perspectives are inherently diverse, reflecting a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and cultures. Diversity enriches global discussions, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and representative of different segments of the population. By incorporating youth perspectives, the Summit and the UN member states can benefit strongly from a broader array of ideas and approaches, ultimately leading to more holistic and effective outcomes.

 

Having a Say on the Future

At this point, the transformative potential of youth engagement at all levels of governance is evident through various success stories where young leaders have significantly contributed to the SDGs and social change. However, realizing this potential requires addressing the most pressing challenges and overcoming the highest of barriers that the youth face worldwide, including the lack of access to decisionmaking processes, socio-economic disparities and systematic ageism. These barriers can drastically limit the diversity of voices and perspectives in global discussions, and are predominantly visible in marginalized communities, which are excluded from policy discussions due to lack of representation or resources. To overcome these plentiful obstacles and enhance youth participation, it is crucial to implement inclusive representation policies, invest in capacity-building programs, provide financial support, create institutional mechanisms for youth engagement, and make use of digital platforms. The Summit will thus be a vital opportunity for governments to commit to finally giving young people their rightful seat at the table, and youth engagement to become the norm at all levels of governance, backed by dedicated resourcing everywhere around the world.

In that regard and as things currently stand, the involvement of youth at the Summit of the Future will not be negligible or represent a simple token gesture, given that there are concrete signs that young people will have an active say in crafting effective, inclusive, and forward-looking solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges. The UN’s initiatives in the past have had a profound impact on the recognition and inclusion in global governance, and there is no tangible reason to suggest otherwise when discussing the outcome of the upcoming Summit of the Future. By creating dedicated platforms, appointing youth representatives, and integrating youth perspectives into major policy frameworks, the UN has set a precedent for other international and national organizations to follow. The legacy of these efforts is a more inclusive and participatory global governance system where young people are seen as essential stakeholders in shaping a sustainable and equitable future, which will further be upgraded at the Summit, especially through its Pact for the Future. As the world faces unprecedented challenges and maturity tests for the global system, the inclusion of youth in decisionmaking processes is not only beneficial, but rather imperative for building a world we all aspire to create.

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