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.
You are the leaders we need, and the actions you take will shape how the world’s future would be. I commend you for your tireless efforts to protect the environment, whether in your own countries, communities, or circles of influence. And I encourage you to avail yourselves of the benefits of this Summit, which provides you the opportunity to meet with over 100 other Southeast Asian leaders and collaborate to create an even bigger impact.”Abdulla Shahid, PGA.
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.
I have worked tirelessly to raise the profile of this issue. From my own climate event in the General Assembly in October; to COP26 in Glasgow, to COP15 on land degradation and drought, to the Stockholm International Meeting, where I am now, and soon, at the Ocean Conference, I have requested world leaders to ramp up political will and make use of the incredible innovations we have at our disposal. I intend to continue to champion this cause, including at a High-Level thematic Debate dubbed, “Moment for Nature” in July.”Abdulla Shahid, PGA.
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.
