NEW YORK, UN Headquarters, 16 April 2025
Against the backdrop of the , the United Nations Youth Office convened a high-level Ministerial Breakfast under the theme “Together for Youth: Advancing Policy and Action.” The event brought together over 150 participants — including Ministers responsible for youth affairs, youth delegates, and representatives from youth-led and youth-serving organizations — for a meaningful dialogue on strengthening youth participation in policymaking and decision-making at all levels.
The breakfast provided a unique platform for intergenerational dialogue and cross-sectoral exchange. Through an interactive format, participants shared good practices, explored avenues for joint action, and deepened partnerships that advance youth rights, opportunities, and leadership.
The event took place at a pivotal time for youth engagement within the UN system. In 2024, Member States adopted A Pact for the Future at the Summit of the Future, reaffirming their commitment to inclusive multilateralism and to young people as key agents of change.
Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of the United Nations Youth Office, opened the event by acknowledging the dual reality faced by young people today: they are disproportionately impacted by global crises, yet they are also at the forefront of transformative change, catalyzing breakthroughs to address current and emerging challenges. “The United Nations Youth Office was created to connect those realities — to serve as a bridge between the urgency of youth demands and the spaces where decisions are made,” he emphasized.
Throughout the morning, a clear message emerged: youth must be engaged not just as advisors, but as co-creators of policies and frameworks. When young people are involved from the outset, they are more committed to implementation and feel a stronger sense of ownership.
The discussions highlighted the important role of multilateralism for scaling local and national youth contributions. Participants called for stronger support for youth-led initiatives, especially at the grassroots level, and urged for inclusive, intersectional consultations that reflect the full diversity of young people — particularly those from marginalized communities. But sustainable youth participation needs to be funded. Several voices pointed to the need for dedicated resources and follow-through on commitments to empower youth-led efforts.
Despite the challenges discussed, optimism infused the room throughout the dialogue. One participant mentioned that we live in a time of change, and we must make sure it is positive change. Others noted that while progress can feel slow, we are moving forward — and intergenerational, inclusive spaces like this Ministerial Breakfast catalyze partnerships, inspire action, and strengthen the global resolve to work with and for youth in building more sustainable and resilient societies.
Even the early start of the event carried a symbolic weight. As the moderator put it, “It’s never too early to talk about youth” — a light-hearted nod to the 7:30 a.m. kickoff, but also a resonant reminder that conversations about young people must begin early, and action needs to be taken now.
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