Amplifying Youth Voices at the Summit of the Future: Reflections and Next Steps

The Summit of the Future, held on 22-23 September in New York, was a pivotal moment for global cooperation, and as a youth activist representing the Asia-Pacific region, it was an incredible opportunity to contribute to shaping the future we want. Building on the momentum from the Asia-Pacific Regional Convening Ahead of the Summit of the Future held on 22-24 August, where we launched the "Young People at the Forefront" Call to Action, I arrived in New York ready to ensure our collective voice resonated throughout the Summit at the UN headquarters.

Key Takeaways from the Summit

• The Power of Storytelling: Sharing my personal experiences with inequality at the Global People's Assembly proved incredibly impactful. It highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues and resonated with other participants, fostering a sense of shared purpose among various government and civil society stakeholders.
• Youth at the Forefront: The Summit demonstrated a growing recognition of the importance of youth engagement in global decision-making. Seeing young people from diverse backgrounds actively participating in discussions and pushing for concrete commitments was inspiring.
• Bridging the Gap: While the Summit provided a platform for dialogue, the real work lies in translating commitments into action. It's crucial to hold leaders accountable and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities, including youth, are included in the implementation process.​​​​​​

Reflecting on Our Demands

The Summit provided a valuable opportunity to amplify the key priorities outlined in the Asia-Pacific Regional Convening Ahead of Summit of the Future – Young People at the Forefront Call to Action. Here's a brief reflection on how these issues fared:

• Sustainable Development and Financing for Development: There was positive momentum on increasing financing for SDGs and recognizing the need for youth-focused employment policies. However, more concrete commitments and mechanisms for implementation are needed.
• Inclusive Global Governance: The call for greater representation of marginalized nations in decision-making processes gained traction. It's crucial to ensure this translates into tangible reforms within international institutions.
• Accelerated Climate Action: The urgency of climate action was widely acknowledged, with a focus on resilience and sustainable energy transitions. However, securing equitable climate financing for developing nations remains a key challenge.
• Digital Cooperation: Bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology were highlighted. More investment in digital infrastructure and literacy programs is needed to empower young people across the region.
• Human Rights and Gender Equality: The Summit reaffirmed the importance of protecting human rights and promoting gender equality. However, addressing the specific challenges faced by marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ youth, young key populations requires ongoing advocacy and action.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Momentum

The Summit of the Future was just the beginning. To truly achieve the future we envision, we must continue to:

• Advocate for Meaningful Youth Participation: Push for the inclusion of youth representatives in all levels of decision-making, from local to global.
• Hold Leaders Accountable: Monitor the progress on commitments made at the Summit and demand transparency and action.
• Build Partnerships and Collaborate: Work with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to implement the Summit's outcomes.
• Empower Youth at the Grassroots Level: Support youth-led initiatives and provide young people with the tools and resources they need to create change in their communities.

The Summit of the Future has ignited a spark of hope and renewed our determination to build a more just, sustainable, and inclusive future for all. As a young person from the Asia-Pacific, I aspire to continue to raise youth’s voices, demand action, and work tirelessly to shape the world we want to inherit.

Written by Munkh-Erdene Davaajav, Vice-chairperson, Youth LEAD Board Committee