We are living in historic times. Today we make up part of the largest generation of youth in history, with over half of the global population under the age of 30. But we also live in unprecedented times with tension among States continuing to rise due to the impact of a range of current issues, including increasing armed conflict, gender inequality, climate crisis, poverty, and hunger.
Youth representation and the meaningful participation of young people in global decision-making is more critical than ever. Yet, despite this vast demographic presence, young voices are not well represented at the United Nations, especially in the United Nations General Assembly First Committee, where issues related to disarmament and international security are discussed. To address this gap, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), together with the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations, brought ten of the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament on a study trip to United Nations Headquarters in New York from October 21 to 25. Participants from ten different countries, brought their regional perspectives and diverse backgrounds on disarmament issues to the global dialogue. Along the journey, we were able to engage directly with UN officials, attend meetings of the First Committee, and participate in workshops and discussions on disarmament with experts. Our experience underscored both the pressing need for and the significant potential of youth involvement to shape a safer, healthier and more secure future for all.
Day 1: The one where we got to engage with the world of Disarmament (October 22)
We were welcomed by Ms. Radha Day, Chief of the Regional Disarmament, Information, and Outreach Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), who spoke to us about the work of UNODA and the importance of youth in the work of the UN. Next, we heard a briefing by Ms. Katherine Prizeman, Political Affairs Officer at UNODA, in which she focused on the significance of the First Committee’s work in particular as pertains to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and related current discussions and trends. In a special moment, we were given the opportunity to attend the First Committee in person and immerse ourselves in UN decision-making on global security matters.
The opportunity to observe UN Member States in action in the conference room was an enriching experience, enabling us to hear directly from different Member States regarding their perspectives on weapons of mass destruction.
In the afternoon, we attended side events relevant to our personal interests and expertise, including a meeting on conventional arms organized by the Fourth Review Conference on the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons. Others in our group attended a side event on the Hague Code of Conduct and its provisions relating to Outer Space. Afterwards, the group reunited to follow a presentation by UNODA’s Conventional Arms Branch. Ms. Frida Thomassen and Mr. Takashi Mashiko offered insights as to the UN’s approach to conventional arms control. A guided tour of the UN Headquarters wrapped up our first day, providing us with the opportunity to learn more about the UN’s structure, history and mission.
This was the perfect plan for us to really feel part of the United Nations General Assembly, and even though this was just the first day, we got to engage with experts from across different levels within the UN, from the First Committee, to side events, and meetings with officials ; we left with a lot of enthusiasm to contribute to the work on disarmament and felt more confident for our second day.
Day 2: The one where we learned (October 23)
We began our morning with a breakfast meeting hosted by the donor of the training programme, the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations, and participated in an insightful exchange with diplomats about our experiences, proposed projects and how we got involved in disarmament. The meeting was really meaningful as we felt really heard and we discovered that even with the differences we experience in our contexts, we have a deep relationship with disarmament, which motivates us to take action.
Later, we participated in a hands-on workshop led by UNODA’s communications team, where we learned practical skills for promoting our projects and presenting our message for disarmament advocacy.
Then came one of the most special moments of the study trip; our side event on the margins of the First Committee. Myself and four fellow Youth Champions for Disarmament, Mr. Jutomue Doetein (Liberia), Mr. Nojus Saad (Iraq), Mr. Mihajlo Matković (Serbia), and Ms. Sangeun Noh (Republic of Korea) presented our regional priorities and experiences of the training programme with attendants. A panel of experts shared feedback on our projects, including H.E. Ms. Maritza Chan, the Chair of the First Committee and the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Thomas Göbel, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Germany to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Mr. Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, and Professor Matthew Bolton of Pace University. Each panellist shared valuable insights that will be essential to developing and implementing our projects. The diversity of the group really highlighted the complexity of the problems we are facing and the possible solutions we are working on, as well as the importance of creating national and international alliances to achieve the common goal towards disarmament.
The side event was followed by a networking session aimed at strengthening ties between disarmament-focused youth organizations, with students from Pace University in attendance, and Civil Society organisations, including Peace Boat US and Reverse the Trend.
The day concluded with a session on the future of youth empowerment in the UN, led by Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. Mr. Paullier has a fundamental role and a lot of responsibility in raising the voice of the youth in addressing our demands at a global level. He listened to us with great affection, respect and attention, which I deeply appreciate, and we hope that we continue working collectively as in this session.
Day 3: The one where we empowered and elevated (October 24)
On our final day, we met with H.E. Ambassador Maritza Chan, Chair of the First Committee. She emphasized the importance of youth perspectives in global security dialogues, emerging technologies, as well as the importance of gender equality in these discussions. I found her answers to our questions really powerful, as she talked about working through activism to include urgent topics in decision making processes. As she said in her conclusions “power is taken, not given”.
A photo session commemorated our participation in the UN Day celebrations and the start of Disarmament Week. UNODA invited all women delegates of the First Committee, president of the 79th session H.E. Ms. Maritza Chan and Under-Secretary-General Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for a special photo opportunity to mark the occasion.
The day ended with a special conversation with H.E. Philémon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, and Mr. Ivor Fung, the President’s Chief of Staff, to discuss the evolving role of the UN and the disarmament challenges that lie ahead. After a visit to the UN Garden, where a Hibakujumoku tree (a tree that has survived atomic bombing) will be planted in the future thanks to one of our peers' initiative and the work of the UNODA., Afterwards, we all participated in an evaluation session, reflecting on our experiences and brainstorming ideas for future youth-led disarmament initiatives. The study trip concluded with a farewell dinner, celebrating the connections and insights gained over the study trip.
Reflecting on the Journey
The study trip not only highlighted the importance of meaningfully involving youth in disarmament but also highlighted the critical role young advocates can play in fostering a culture of peace. Each session and interaction reinforced the UN’s commitment to including youth in global security dialogues, providing these Youth Champions with the tools, networks, and knowledge to lead disarmament efforts in their communities and beyond.
The Youth Champions for Disarmament programme will always have a special place in my heart. Personally, this was the first time I travelled outside of my country, and nothing could have made this experience more exciting than getting the chance to go to the United Nations Headquarters, the place where everything happens. Being there was a dream come true, even though I also experienced a lot of obstacles before the travel, this only spoke to me that it was meant to be, the wonderful and diverse group we met made it even more special, connecting with others, getting to hear about their life experiences, and their advocacy for disarmament in their regions and communities was the most inspiring part.
Even though I travelled alone, I never felt lonely, because we had a lot of support before and after our trip. There are very few opportunities like this programme, where they consider you for your work and your leadership, but most importantly, what you can add to this project, no matter your experience, age, where you come from. Also, the programme provided full funding to attend the study trip: that is also really important because we live in a world full of inequalities. If it wasn´t for the financial support, my voice, and many other youth voices, who live far from the big cities, from the opportunities, the resources, would not be able to get to these spaces.
That is the idea I come back to Mexico with, the commitment to help other youth to advocate for their needs and the problems we face, but also to make the most of our chance to travel and open their perspectives on the issues that we face globally, create connections and get inspired to see and feel for themselves how far their ideas can go. As Taylor Swift once said, “no one in my small town thought I’d see the lights of Manhattan” and now I get to share this experience with my peers and tell them how Latin American voices are represented at the highest levels just like I dreamt of one day, and like H.E. Ambassador Chan and Assistant Secretary-General Paullier are doing now.
I hope all of our projects get as far as we wish, and I am sure that they will, because now we know about Magritte´s wisdom, Charlotte´s creativity, Sangeun´s art skills, Mihajlo´s leadership, Jutomue´s professionalism, Kobe´s friendship, Nurullo´s diplomacy, Nojus´ experience, and Zamil´s unique advocacy. And nothing of this could have been possible without Boyi’s patience and Elena’s empathy, who guided us throughout this trip. We not only leave with tons of enriching experiences, but with colleagues, friends, and a chosen family that accompanies us on this path that can often feel heavy, but having a support network can make a difference.
