UN deputy chief calls for support for youth to drive 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) — UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said young people are the driving force behind the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and called for greater support for youth development.
Mohammed made the remarks in a video message delivered to the 2024 World Youth Development Forum that opened in Beijing on Monday.
Themed “Together for a Better Future,” the forum features more than 2,000 young people from over 130 countries and 20 international organizations participating both online and on-site.
Mohammed said governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector and civil society must provide the resources and platforms the youth need to make their voices heard.
She vowed that the UN Youth Office will collaborate with the UN system and relevant teams around the world to amplify young people’s voices.
She also stressed protection of the rights and freedoms of young people and the importance of quality education and skills in empowering them.
“All sectors of society must create spaces where you can take charge and make a difference for peaceful societies and robust democracies,” she told the young participants.
More than 500 young leaders and representatives have gathered in Beijing for the event. The forum is co-hosted by the All-China Youth Federation, United Nations in China and the organizing committee of the forum. ■