Annalena Baerbock, president of the General Assembly and one of the youngest people to hold the position, emphasized that young people are “the designers of their future”, but they should not have to build it alone.
Based on conversations with young leaders from Ethiopia to Afghanistan, he highlighted the challenges faced by today’s young people, from conflict and crisis to cyberbullying and unemployment, as well as the transformative change they are promoting, such as digital innovation and climate defense.
The recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (CIJ) on climatic obligations, caused by youth activists, underlines how determined young people can remodel global policy. Its commitment can cause hope and intergenerational solidarity.
Bangladesh: Young people who drive democratic renewal
Muhammad Yunus, main advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, addresses the general debate of the eighth session of the General Assembly.
The transformative youth potential was clearly evident in Bangladesh, a year after the ‘July revolution’ ended decades of authoritarian government.
On the fourth day of the general debate of the Assembly, the main advisor Muhammad Yunus described the uprising as “a reminder of the extraordinary power of common people”, accrediting most of the majority of the country for defeating tyranny and opening the way to a more just and equal society.
Due to the demands of the movement, 11 independent commissions, which address issues that extended from governance to women’s rights, have now established and more than 30 political parties signed a ‘Julio Declaration’ that undertakes to defend democratic reforms.
Looking towards the future, he emphasized the importance of empowering the majority and young women of Bangladesh, noting that the country aims to “shape all young people, not only as a work search engine, but also as creators of employment”, while moving forward the protections against harassment and expansion of women’s public roles.
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Greece: safeguard in the digital era
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece addresses the general debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece emphasized the mental health and safety of children in an era dominated by digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Warning that “we are executing a massive experiment without supervision with the brains of our children and adolescents,” said the dangers of cyberbullying, addictive content and the harmful material online.
Greece has banned phones in schools and launched Kids Willet, an application backed by the government that allows parents simple and effective tools to administer the use of smartphones of their children.
Mr. Mitsotakis also proposed a “digital era” paneuropea to guarantee appropriate access to age to online platforms, framing these measures as part of a broader effort to protect young minds while supporting the safe commitment to technology.
“Like society once it established firm rules to smoke, drink or use a safety belt, we must now face today’s challenge with equal clarity: the big platforms can no longer benefit at the expense of the mental health of our children,” he said.
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Solomon Islands: Leading climate action in youth
Prime Minister Jeremiah Maples from the Solomon Islands addresses the general debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly.
The fundamental role of young people in global challenges was highlighted by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands.
He pointed out that young people in the Pacific “have remained at the forefront of this initiative, reminding us that the Pacific strength lies in our unit”, referring to the campaign led by the youth that caused the historic advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICI) on the climatic obligations.
Mr. Handle emphasized that the ruling, which affirmed the responsibilities of the states to protect the climate for present and future generations, is more than a legal finding: it is “a call to the international community that only together we can honor the commitment of 1.5 ° C, protect the most vulnerable and ensure a fair and sustainable future for all nations and peoples.”
The defense led by youth, he said, has led the urgency of the climatic situation of the communities of the small islands to the world stage, which demonstrates how collective action can protect the most vulnerable and safeguard the planet for future generations.
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Trinidad and Tobago: small nations, global impact
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissssar de Trinidad and Tobago addresses the general debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissssar de Trinidad and Tobago illustrated how even smaller nations can exert the global influence when the well-being of young people and children is prioritized.
He highlighted national initiatives such as the Children’s Authority and the Children Life Fund, expanded education and early childhood alignments with the global development agenda, all efforts destined to guarantee the next generation prosperous.
The prime minister also emphasized that gender equality is inseparable from sustainable peace and development, noting that “women and girls must be equal partners in peace and sustainability.”
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Malta: Real benefits of multilateralism
Prime Minister Robert Abela de Malta addresses the general debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly.
Prime Minister Robert Abela de Malta offered a reminder that words alone cannot end the conflict, hunger or child malnutrition, but collective action can do so.
He said that the life expectancy of children born in 1945, who hovered in the mid -years before, with those born in 2025, who can now expect to live in their seventies.
“That didn’t happen by luck or accident,” said Abela. “It happened by Will and Resolve. It happened by effort. And it also happened for the positive work done by the agencies of these United Nations.”
Reflecting on these profits, he emphasized that multilateralism is still critical:
“We will not keep our peoples safe, our protected planet or our preserved prosperity unless we work together, listen and act in concert.”
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