Last year, I flew from Lima to New York, where I met three of my fellow Youth Champions for Disarmament: Monalisa, from India, Roberta, from Germany and Ivan, from, the Russian Federation. We had the incredible opportunity to participate in a study trip on the margins of the Fourth Review Conference (RevCon4) on the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA), which took place from 18 June to 28 June in New York. Our involvement represented a defining moment in amplifying youth voices on the global stage, showing the world that young people are ready to take action.
The conference focused on a vital mission: assessing how well States have been tackling the illegal trade of Small Arms Light Weapons (SALW), while also improving the mechanisms to trace these weapons. Representatives from all over the world came together to evaluate what is working, what needs to change, and to discuss how we can collectively make the world a safer place for all.
One of the most memorable and deeply inspiring moments for me was witnessing a woman chairing over the conference. It was a true honour to observe H.E. Ambassador Maritza Chan-Valverde, the first woman Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in this prominent role. What made it even more special for me, coming from Latin America, was that she conducted the conference in Spanish. Seeing a woman from Latin America leading such a crucial international gathering was a powerful and inspiring experience. In fact, Ambassador Chan went onto become the first woman Permanent Representative to chair the UN First Committee in October 2024.
As UN Youth Champions for Disarmament, we also played an active role during the RevCon process. Though it was an exhausting week, I can proudly say it was incredibly rewarding. Many of us had the opportunity to express our voices and share our ideas at various events, delivering impactful speeches and learning how to develop creative solutions within our own countries.
We gave our all, and each of us made meaningful contributions. Monaliza took the lead by speaking on the “Developmentalizing” Programmes on Small Arms and Light Weapons Control and Armed Violence. Ivan attended the Peace Boat event, where he delivered an insightful presentation on his activities to engage young people interested in nuclear disarmament. The event featured representatives from several Civil Society Organizations, listening to the role of youth in amplifying and carrying forward testimonies of atomic bomb survivors – otherwise known as Hibakusha.
In my case, on behalf of the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament I delivered our common statement. I called on States to prioritize three critical issues to support youth engagement during the Fourth Review Conference (RevCon4) deliberations:
- First, the establishment of regional and global youth-led research networks focused on small arms and light weapons control.
- Second, challenging the expectation that youth must possess preapproved work permits, which disproportionately affects young people from the Global South.
- Third, establish dedicated funding for youth engagement and empowerment, including increase paid entry-level positions for youth, as well financial support for youth-focused initiatives at a community level.
Learning and exchanging with UN high level officials
We also had the incredible opportunity to exchange ideas with some of the most influential figures in disarmament and youth advocacy. Meeting Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, was a powerful moment. We shared our stories, our projects, and our vision on how youth can drive global change. Roberta asked thought-provoking questions, emphasizing the role of young people in these critical conversations.
Additionally, we met with Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, who welcomed our ideas on how young people can be more actively involved in disarmament and peace efforts. Finally, we had the honour of meeting Ambassador Maritza Chan-Valverde of Costa Rica, whose words and leadership have been a constant source of inspiration, encouraging us to continue promoting a message of peace.
We left each one of the conversations energized, knowing that youth have the power to transform the world. The conversations we had and the connections we made will inspire our efforts to make a lasting difference.
The incredible journey with the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament ended in December 2024, with an online graduation ceremony. Today, I can't help but feel deeply grateful for all the amazing people who supported us from the very beginning until the final event. While we may have been the visible faces, there was a whole team of extraordinary individuals behind us, making everything possible.Thanks to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs' youth team: Elena Batani, Marykate Monaghan, and Boyi Zhang, for their leadership in different regions; Soo Hyun Kim for always making us feel so welcomed during our time in New York.
A special thanks goes to Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, for her humility and guidance. And last but certainly not the least, a heartfelt thanks to the Government of Germany, whose generous support made this study trip possible. Without it, none of this would have been a reality.