UN Launches Core Principles to Strengthen Meaningful Youth Participation in Global Decision-Making

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UN Launches Core Principles to Strengthen Meaningful Youth Participation in Global Decision-Making

UN Launches Core Principles to Strengthen Meaningful Youth Participation in Global Decision-Making

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-03-23 04:41:08

Kathmandu / Global - The United Nations has taken a significant step toward enhancing youth engagement in global governance with the launch of the Core Principles for Meaningful Youth Participation, aiming to move beyond symbolic inclusion and ensure young people play a substantive role in decision-making processes.
The initiative was highlighted during a global consultation led by the UN Youth Office, bringing together youth representatives, Member States, and senior UN leadership. Among the voices at the forefront was Shamah Bulangis, who emphasized that youth participation must go beyond mere presence in formal spaces and instead be rooted in inclusion, equity, and shared responsibility.
The newly introduced principles are designed to guide governments, institutions, and international bodies in creating environments where young people can actively contribute to policy development, implementation, and monitoring. The framework reflects growing recognition that youth perspectives are essential in addressing complex global challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, and social justice.
Addressing the gathering, Amina J. Mohammed underscored the importance of accountability, urging young people to utilize these principles as a tool to claim their space in governance structures. She noted that meaningful engagement requires both institutional commitment and proactive youth leadership.
The launch marks what many observers see as a new chapter in youth participation at the UN, aligning with broader global efforts to empower younger generations as key stakeholders in shaping the future. The initiative also resonates strongly with countries like Nepal, where youth comprise a significant portion of the population and are increasingly active in environmental and developmental discourse.
As the global community pushes toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the emphasis on inclusive and equitable participation is expected to play a critical role in ensuring that no voice is left behind.
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