Dr. Felipe Paullier, the United Nations’ first assistant secretary-general for youth affairs, emphasizes that he does not claim to represent the diverse population of young people worldwide. While acknowledging the challenge of speaking on behalf of such a vast demographic, his primary role is to advocate for the incorporation of young people’s voices and concerns within the U.N.’s agenda. Paullier, a pediatrician and former director general of Uruguay’s National Youth Institute, assumed his position in December and is committed to amplifying youth perspectives within the international discourse.
In a recent interview conducted on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Paullier discussed his responsibilities, the U.N.’s “Pact for the Future,” and the significance of prioritizing youth engagement at a global level. Enacting tangible change following commitments made during events like the U.N. Summit of the Future is crucial. Key outcomes from the summit include government pledges to establish youth engagement mechanisms at the national level and to develop common principles for meaningful youth participation on a global scale. These initiatives mark a shift towards viewing young people not just as beneficiaries but as essential partners in decision-making processes.
Addressing the skepticism of some young activists who question the sincerity of institutions in truly valuing their input, Paullier acknowledges the need for traditional institutions to adapt to the changing landscape influenced by technology and increased youth empowerment. He views the U.N. Summit as a pivotal moment signifying the imperative for transformation within these structures. Paullier affirms his belief in the feasibility of the goals set forth by young people advocating for meaningful inclusion in decision-making processes, seeing the commitments made by governments as a positive step towards progress in this direction.
As the U.N. continues its efforts to engage and empower young people globally, Paullier’s role remains instrumental in facilitating dialogue and action to ensure that the voices of youth are not only heard but also integrated into policy and decision-making frameworks. Through initiatives like the “Pact for the Future,” the U.N. is working towards creating a more inclusive and youth-centric approach to addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development.
This article is a paraphrased version of a conversation with Dr. Felipe Paullier, the U.N.’s first assistant secretary-general for youth affairs, highlighting his efforts to advocate for youth representation and engagement within the organization.
