BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – November, 2024 – In a significant engagement on the sidelines of COP-29, Mr. Qaiser Nawab, a prominent Pakistani Global Climate Youth Advocate, Founder and CEO of the youth-led organization “THE” Society International (Together for Health and Education), and President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), met with Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, United Nations Youth Office.
During the meeting, Mr. Nawab briefed Mr. Paullier about the impactful initiatives spearheaded by “THE” Society International to empower youth in critical areas such as climate change advocacy, health, education, and sustainable development. He highlighted his organization’s work in fostering youth leadership, capacity-building, and cross-sector collaborations to address global challenges.
Mr. Nawab assured his full support to the United Nations Youth Office in promoting youth engagement across all sectors. “Young people are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are active contributors to shaping the solutions of today,” said Mr. Nawab. “Our youth are a source of innovation and resilience, and it is imperative that we continue to empower them with opportunities to lead, especially in addressing climate change and driving sustainable development goals.”
Mr. Felipe Paullier appreciated Mr. Nawab’s dedication to youth empowerment and expressed the importance of building global partnerships to elevate youth voices on international platforms. He underscored the necessity of creating inclusive spaces for young people to participate in policymaking and implementation processes at all levels.
The meeting also served as a platform to reaffirm the shared commitment to promoting youth-led initiatives and fostering an environment where young people can thrive and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts.
Both agreed that investing in youth is a critical step toward achieving global goals. With over 1.8 billion young people globally, their energy, creativity, and innovation are essential for tackling pressing challenges like climate change, inequality, and global health crises. The dialogue at COP-29 reiterated the role of youth as catalysts for change and emphasized the need for sustained investments in youth development, education, and skills training.
As COP-29 continues in Baku, this meeting highlights the pivotal role of youth in driving climate action and sustainable development. “THE” Society International and the United Nations Youth Office remain dedicated to amplifying youth voices and ensuring their active participation in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.(001)
