For many young individuals, the prospect of making meaningful global change can seem daunting and even unattainable. The workings of international and local affairs are frequently assumed to be the domain of older, more seasoned professionals. However, this could not be further from the truth. As a youth delegate at various conferences with organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO), I have witnessed firsthand how the unique perspectives of society‘s youth-defined by the UN as individuals under the age of 30-are not only deeply valued but also possess a great capacity to drive change where it is needed most.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a framework guiding global efforts toward a better future. This agenda, adopted by the UN in 2015, describes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals have been carefully designed and implemented to ensure a new standard of prosperity for all, which we hope to attain by the year 2030.

Significant strides have already been made in the pursuit of these objectives, demonstrating the powerful collaboration and unwavering commitment of all 193 UN member states. To guarantee that nobody is left behind or falls through the cracks in the solutions we create, it is of the utmost importance that the voices of all people are not only acknowledged but also represented throughout every stage of the decision-making process. This includes individuals from all backgrounds, nations, genders, identities, colors, and ages. Our diverse perspectives are critical inputs that shape the decisions we make-decisions that ultimately impact the lives and futures of countless individuals across the globe.

During my most recent UN conference, specifically the High-Level Political Forum, I was deeply inspired by the constant presence of youth in each discussion. They were actively involved in all aspects of the proceedings, from contributing to conversations in the audience to delivering addresses on the floor. After observing this, I dedicated myself to gathering information from my peers, uncovering the groundbreaking and often underrepresented work they carry out in their communities. As this 20-article series unfolds, I intend to illuminate the power that youth possess to effect real change. Ultimately, I hope that by showcasing these inspiring young people, I can motivate more individuals to bravely advocate for the causes and issues they are most passionate about, thus amplifying the collective voice of the next generation in shaping a more sustainable world.

In doing so, we empower ourselves to highlight the importance of youth engagement in global discussions. The time is now for young people to step forward and lead the charge toward a more inclusive world. Every action counts, and together we can transform our passion for change into tangible impact. (Part 1 of 20)

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