THE SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE

IN a world where the challenges are as diverse as they are complex, the Summit of the Future stands out as a crucial opportunity to shape a new path forward. Set to take place on September 22 and 23, 2024, at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, this summit is not just another gathering of world leaders. It’s a chance for everyone, especially young people, to have their say in creating a fairer, more sustainable and peaceful future.

What’s the Summit of the Future all about?
The Summit of the Future is a high-level meeting organised by the United Nations to rethink global cooperation in light of today’s challenges. Born out of the UN’s 75th anniversary celebrations in 2020, the summit aims to address major issues like climate change, digital security, sustainable development and reforming how global governance works. Essentially, it’s about making sure that our international systems are ready to tackle the 21st century’s toughest problems. The summit will cover a wide range of topics, from human rights and public health, to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. But what’s truly exciting is the focus on young people. Their energy, creativity and passion for social justice are key to making sure the summit leads to real change. Young people have the chance to ensure that the ideas and policies developed at the summit are inclusive, fair and future-proof.

Why should young people get involved?
There are many reasons why young people should be part of the Summit of the Future. For starters, they are the ones who will face the long-term consequences of today’s decisions. From climate change and unemployment to social inequality, the future will be shaped by how well we tackle these issues now. For young people in developing countries like Eswatini, the challenges can feel even more overwhelming, with the increased vulnerabilities developing states face. The summit offers a platform to bring their voices to the forefront, share their stories and help design solutions that address their specific needs.

Moreover, young people are often at the cutting edge of innovation and activism. They bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to global problems. Whether it’s creating apps to tackle food waste or leading grassroots climate campaigns, young people are already driving change in their communities. By participating in the summit, they can push for global policies that reflect their innovative approaches and their vision for a sustainable future.Finally, young people’s involvement in global discussions strengthens democracy. It ensures that decision-making is more representative and reflective of diverse voices. As future leaders, we need to be part of shaping the rules and systems that will govern the world in the years to come.

Why is support for youth participation so critical?
While it’s clear that young people need to be at the table, it’s equally important to ensure they have the support to get there. Many young people, especially from places like Eswatini, face significant barriers to participating in international forums. Financial constraints, lack of access to relevant information and limited opportunities for training and development can all stand in the way.

This is why support through scholarships, grants or mentorship is so crucial. It helps level the playing field, giving young people from all backgrounds a fair chance to be part of these critical conversations. It’s not just a matter of equity; it’s about making sure that global solutions are grounded in the realities of those who will live with them the longest!
For the youth of Eswatini, the Summit of the Future is a significant opportunity. The country faces a range of challenges, from high youth unemployment and poverty to the impacts of climate change and food insecurity.

Young people in Eswatini understand these issues better than anyone, as they live them every day. Their participation in the summit allows them to bring their unique insights to a global platform and advocate for support and collaboration tailored to their needs. By being part of the summit, Eswatini’s youth can also connect with like-minded peers from around the world, learn from others’ experiences and build networks that can drive positive change back home. It’s a chance to ensure that the outcomes of the summit are relevant not just for the world at large, but for Eswatini specifically.

The Summit of the Future is more than just another international meeting. It’s a defining moment for how we tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. For young people, particularly those from Eswatini, this is an opportunity to make our voices heard and influence decisions that will shape our future and that of Eswatini. But for this to happen, we need the right support, financial, educational and social. Every bit of support helps in building a world where young people can lead the way to a future that is fair, inclusive and sustainable for all.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: