I attended the United Nations 18th Conference of Youth in the United Arab Emirates as one of the youth delegates from Nigeria and this experience was life-changing. My engagement at the conference proved transformative as I had impactful conversations surrounding youth involvement, climate action, and sustainable development goals. The experience shed light on the critical importance of the indispensable role young individuals play in instigating positive change. The conference underscored that empowering youth is not just a gesture; it’s a strategic imperative for achieving sustainable development. Through interactive workshops and discussions, I gained a deeper appreciation for how youth-led initiatives can inject fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and boundless energy into addressing complex global challenges.

My Key Learnings Recap

Youth Empowerment: At this conference, I was astounded by the capacity and ability of young people to come together on such a scale for a common cause. Young delegates from across the globe shared ideas, insights and perspectives on addressing climate change as well as other global goals. I quickly realised that the role of youth in driving positive change is grounded in our unique ability to bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and boundless energy to address pressing global challenges. The passion and enthusiasm at the conference is a fuel to drive change.

Youth-led Initiative: I was not surprised to see that numerous successful initiatives around the world are being led by young individuals who have identified gaps and actively worked to address them. I met various environmental and social founders, with initiatives spanning diverse areas, from climate action to education, telemedicine, biodiversity and many more. Today’s youth are at the forefront of advocacy, serving as a catalyst for social change, challenging norms and pushing for inclusivity.

Gender Equality and Sustainable Development: Another highlight of the conference was the notable presence of women in high-ranking positions within the UAE Government. I found it remarkable to witness a considerable number of women speakers and influential change-makers actively leading initiatives that make a significant impact. It’s important for all of us to understand that gender equality is closely connected to sustainable development hence, having women represented at such levels and decision-making tables is integral to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Transforming Inspiration into Action: The conference was a call to action, highlighting the importance of not only being inspired but also taking concrete steps to turn that inspiration into impactful outcomes. Our collective action is a transformative force in contributing to the realisation of SDGs. Through innovation, education, advocacy, outreach, and sensitisation, we can all take action to achieve the global goals.

Conclusion

Participating in COY18 was a truly memorable experience that left an indelible mark on my journey. Beyond the wealth of knowledge and insights gained, the conference provided an invaluable opportunity to forge lifelong friendships and meaningful connections with fellow change-makers who share a common passion for making a positive impact. I found myself surrounded by a diverse and dynamic community of like-minded individuals, each driven by a shared commitment to address pressing global challenges. The connections formed during the conference extended beyond the exchange of ideas; they evolved into genuine bonds grounded in a mutual dedication to creating positive change.