PGA urged the youth communities across the globe, to never stop asking questions, to never stop raising their hands, to never stop speaking up and to never stop pushing for more action and more ambiti
Abdulla Shahid, International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development
Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has urged youth communities to “never” stop pushing for more action and more ambition.
He said this in his remarks at the Young Southeast Asia Leaders Initiative Summit 2022.
Highlighting that the youth leaders of ASEAN, coming from one of the most vibrant regions, are the drivers of “positive” and “fundamental” changes of the world, PGA Shahid stated that youth communities must have the space to constructively engage in breathing new life into our multilateral and regional systems.
With this being said, he applauded the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) for serving as a significant platform to encourage dialogue and innovation on issues ranging from social entrepreneurship and the environment, to education and civic engagement.
As the UNGA president who comes from a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) and guided by the theme of “hope”, Shahid assured that he remains committed to tackling climate change, protecting the environment and empower young people.
Stressing on climate and environmental action, PGA Shahid urged to continue to move forward on the action and agenda items that will combat climate change, safeguard the rich biodiversity and protect ecosystems.
Secondly, he expressed pride in saying that from his very first journey abroad, he had emphasized the need to meet and hear from young people, particularly young women and girls and marginalized groups.
Shahid said that his message to them and all young people will always be “I see you, I hear you”.
The PGA went on to express pride in having launched the Fellowship for Hope, through which eight young diplomats from underrepresented countries have joined his office to gain real experience working in the United Nations, while also serving in their Missions.
Shahid expressed hope to see them take back the lessons and values gained from this unique experience to benefit their home countries and national institutions and expressed keenness to hearing from youth communities, on their progress, as they continue to be the positive change and the bright spark needed, not only in Southeast Asia, but also across the “entire” world.
With this being said, the PGA urged the youth communities across the globe, to never stop asking questions, to never stop raising their hands, to never stop speaking up and to never stop pushing for more action and more ambition.
