Young activists call for greater youth involvement in UN decision-making

At the United Nations, young activists are advocating for greater involvement in decision-making processes. During a recent event, 26-year-old Daphne Frias urged Secretary-General António Guterres to allow younger voices to lead, highlighting a generational gap in diplomacy. The U.N. has made efforts to engage youth, including the "Youth 2030" initiative aimed at making young people partners in its work. A new agreement from a recent summit emphasizes increased funding for youth services and meaningful participation in policymaking. Despite these developments, young activists stress the need for genuine engagement rather than symbolic inclusion. They call for resources and support to empower youth-led initiatives, as they seek to influence change in a system traditionally dominated by older generations.