The United Nations has said maintaining International peace would be difficult without deliberate actions to meet the needs of the billions of young people
The Director, United Nations Information Centre Nigeria, Ronald Kayanja said this at the Covenant International Model United Nations on Monday.
Model UN is an important platform for young people to discuss contemporary global issues. It is an opportunity to understand how the multilateral system works, especially the global architecture that is meant to keep international peace and security.
The event was themed ‘The Road to a Lasting Peace: Leveraging the Power of Youth for Peace and Security.’
According to Kayanja, “Through Model UN, many young people have learnt the art of public speaking, diplomacy and international relations. We are meeting at a time when the world faces many global challenges. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is threatening our health, destroying economies and livelihoods and deepening poverty and inequalities. We are also faced with the disastrous effects of a changing climate – famine, floods, fires and extreme heat – which threaten our very existence. Millions of people are becoming restless – they are trying to move to pockets of prosperity from seas of deprivation, conflict and misery. Millions even dare to cross rivers and oceans in search of better and more secure livelihoods. Add to that the conflicts and situations of instability in many parts of the world. These are some of the issues that keep UN diplomats awake every day. I am glad you will step in their shoes to face some of those issues this week – during this Model UN.”
On the theme for this Model UN, Kayanja said it is both timely and pertinent. This is as he encouraged youths to be part of peace processes, and the overall governance of societies.
He said, “Six years ago, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2250 on youth peace and security. It aims to promote action at national and global levels to integrate young people in peace processes. It came out of a recognition that without deliberate actions to meet the needs of the billions of young people, it will be difficult to maintain international peace and stability. The criminality which we see in Nigeria each day – including terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery and thuggery, are largely driven by young people. However, young people are also victims of these situations – for instance the many young men and women who have been victims of kidnapping and abductions from schools mainly in northern Nigeria. In this country we see growing numbers of restless young people frustrated by lack of opportunity; increased competition for jobs, land, natural resources, and political patronage. We have too many young men and women with not enough to do. They need to be profitably engaged to ensure both prosperity and stability. The situation, however, is not all bleak. There are some solutions which I hope will be discussed during this Model UN. Let me mention four possible options: First, we must ensure increased participation of young people in decision-making processes. Youth are not just leaders of tomorrow. You are leaders of today. You should be part of peace processes, and the overall governance of societies. We have seen pressure mounting from young people through movements like ENDSARs and ‘not too young to run.’ Young people may not be invited to the table. You must force yourselves on to the table. We are seeing movements on climate change globally led by young people – not because they were invited but they pushed themselves to be noticed. Young people, my call to you is not to wait for invitations but force yourselves through movements to the table.”
Secondly, the UNICN Director called for human capital development, stressing that young people should be provided with digital and other skills that will enable them innovate and dominate the environment they face in the 21st century.
“Seek for skills that will make you relevant in this age,” he said.
He continued, “Third, the Agenda 2030 and the 17 sustainable development goals provide the broader environment that will enable young people to flourish. Development that meets the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive. I call upon you young people to take this agenda as yours. Take the lead. Do not wait to be invited. Get an understanding of what the SDGs are and get full involved. Let us stop procrastination and complaining that young people are marginalised. You, the young people, force your way through.
“Finally, young people learn to fight for your rights. I have seen the success of the ‘not too young to run’ and other movements that promote positive change. I urge you to take it upon yourselves to fight for your rights. Let me again thank Covenant University for organising such a high-quality Model UN. I wish the delegates fruitful discussions and we look forward to reading your resolutions.”
He thanked Covenant University for organising the third CIMUN which he described as high quality.
Copyright PUNCH.
