ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

On 27 June, during regular online session, participants of the Preventive Diplomacy Academy were joined by representatives of the UN Youth office (UNYO) to address to the students about the latest UN strategies in the field of youth engagement.

Dr. Sudha Balakrishnan, Chief of the UN System Coordination and Accountability at UNYO opened the lecture unpacking the priorities of the newly established UNYO office in mainstreaming youth across the UN. She also underlined the pivotal role of the first Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Mr Felipe Paullier.

Ms. Emilia Hannuksela, the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Lead continued the presentation introducing the YPS agenda to the students and explained how to apply it during their advocacy and activism. Continuing the lecture, Ms. Bianca Liu Herzog talked about the Youth2030 Strategy, explaining its main pillars and priorities. The session concluded with an interactive exercise where the participants learned about youth-led initiatives in their countries.

The United Nations Youth Office was established by the General Assembly to lead the engagement and advocacy for the advancement of youth issues across the United Nations and to promote the meaningful, inclusive and effective engagement of youth, youth-led and youth-focused organizations in the work of the United Nations.