Young climate activists in the Maldives highlight key messages urging climate action.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his speech to the UN Economic and Social Council Youth Forum today that public trust is plummeting and alienation is growing in the face of the world's current multiple crises. The international system is collapsing, and the future of multilateralism is at stake. He is a call to action for young people around the world to come forward and speak out for real change.
The climate crisis
Guterres said that the world's climate is on the verge of collapse and that the poorest people are paying a heavy price for it, which is an extreme injustice and a betrayal of the younger generation. Strong policies are needed by governments to accelerate the global phase-out of fossil fuels and the transition to clean energy. They need to develop a new national climate plan by 2025 that aligns with the 1.5C limit, and this work requires meaningful youth involvement.
He noted that developed countries must deliver on their commitments on climate finance. As a step towards climate justice, governments must contribute generously to the new Loss and Damage Fund. At the same time, a concerted effort is needed to divert finance more broadly into the area of sustainable development and add momentum to the SDGs.
Global Digital Compact
Guterres noted that the United Nations is working to advance the Global Digital Compact to help build a sustainable world powered by digital technology, which includes promoting education and employment for young people.
He said it was a world where children and young people were protected online, benefited from digital technologies and had a say in the decisions that shaped their digital lives. He pointed out that the United Nations' high-level advisory body on AI makes recommendations on international governance of AI, and that this expert group includes young leaders from the Global South.
International governance framework
Guterres said the United Nations has proposed a new peace agenda to update and strengthen the multilateral security framework and engage young people in these peace and security institutions.
He said that the United Nations is also pushing for the reform of the Security Council and the international financial architecture. When these institutions were established 80 years ago, many developing countries had no voice. These systems were designed by and still controlled by the rich countries, but some of the most basic functions have failed.
He pointed out that we must break free from the shackles of the past and create institutions that reflect the world today and meet the needs of the world. He stressed that it was a matter of justice.
He called for working with young people to bring justice to the world and provide solutions to create a peaceful and prosperous future for all.
Summit of the Future
Guterres noted that the upcoming Summit of the Future in September this year is a critical moment to strengthen sustainable development and reinvigorate multilateralism, and he hopes that young people will actively participate in it. He called on young people to join hands with civil society's allies and partners, and asked the government to take the summit seriously.
He invited young people to sign an open letter to world leaders on reinvigorating multilateralism, which was launched by the UN Youth Office on the same day.
