Dr. Felipe Paullier, the United Nations’ first assistant secretary-general for youth affairs, emphasises that he doesn’t claim to speak on behalf of the world’s approximately 2 billion young people. His role involves advocating for youth issues to be integrated into the UN’s agenda, a task that aligns with the desires of young activists who often feel overlooked by the global community. A paediatrician and former head of Uruguay’s National Youth Institute, Paullier assumed his position in December. During the U.N. General Assembly, he sat down with The Associated Press to discuss his responsibilities, the U.N.’s new “Pact for the Future,” its implications for youth, and the sincerity of older generations in involving them.
When asked about his age, Paullier revealed that he is 33 years old, acknowledging the novelty of his position within the UN. He highlighted the organisation’s historical support for youth issues but stressed the recent prioritisation of such concerns on a global scale. His role does not entail representing all youth voices due to their diversity but serves as a symbol of the growing recognition of young people on a worldwide platform.
Paullier elaborated on the recent U.N. Summit of the Future and the “Pact for the Future,” noting two significant outcomes. Firstly, governments committed to implementing youth engagement mechanisms at the national level, a critical development. Secondly, there is a global initiative to establish common principles for meaningful youth participation, signalling a shift from viewing young people solely as policy beneficiaries to engaging with them as partners.
Addressing the challenge of ensuring young voices are genuinely heard and impactful in UN processes, Paullier acknowledged the need for institutions to adapt to the evolving world. He underscored the transformative power of technology in empowering individuals and altering traditional accountability systems. Despite the hurdles, Paullier expressed optimism in the commitment of governments towards progress in this direction.
Regarding the feasibility of young people’s aspirations for institutional change, Paullier expressed full confidence in their objectives. He emphasised the necessity for institutions to evolve in response to societal transformations. Paullier’s office aims to drive change and views government commitments as a positive step towards advancing youth inclusion.
In conclusion, Dr. Felipe Paullier’s insights shed light on the evolving landscape of youth involvement within the UN and underscore the importance of genuine and meaningful inclusion of young voices in shaping global agendas.