First Lady praises the commitment to working together to empower youth and make their views heard, calling the deceleration a remarkable achievement. She made the statement at the virtual event to launch Unlock the Future hosted by the World YMCA, BRAC, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, and other activist organisations on the sidelines of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The event which was held virtually brought together young leaders, activists, and thinkers; governments and United Nations (UN) missions in New York; as well as networks and organisation dedicated to young people and future generations.
The Unlock the Future Declaration was launched during the event. It outlines shared intent to help young people shape their future by delivering their priorities for tangible change to the next generations, increasing youth representation, and garnering international support to overcome barriers that hinder progress.
In her remarks at the event, First Lady Fazna thanked the leaders of countries and civil society organisations who came together to pledge their support for the next generation, and she urged the Maldives and those who were committed to the cause to work together so that meaningful change could be achieved for young people.
She also stated the Maldives understands the importance of youth voices and meaningful engagement in the effort to make the planet more resilient and sustainable. She concluded her speech by stating the Maldives is committed to engaging with youth, actively listening to their concerns, and collaborating with youth from all over the world to build a better and brighter future for all.
Our Future Agenda, a youth-focused development programme of action covering education, jobs, and the climate was also launched at the event. The report includes the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres’s call to the Next Generation of Fellows to set out their vision and plan for future generations. The Next Generation is a global group of young activists committed to putting the needs of youth and future generations at the top of the agenda.
Carlos Sanvee, the Secretary-General for World YMCA, and Fairooz Faisah Beether, a young activist working with BRAC, also delivered remarks at the event.