At the 18th International Human Rights Summit, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the crucial role of young leaders in the global fight for human rights.
Addressing a diverse audience of young activists from around the world, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield underscored the power, potential, and necessity of youth leadership in tackling contemporary challenges.
In her speech, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield thanked key figures, including Ambassador Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares and Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, for their dedication to human rights advocacy.
She praised Shuttleworth’s efforts in inspiring the next generation and expressed her admiration for the young attendees from countries as varied as Afghanistan and Venezuela.
“Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Whenever I am with energetic young people, I feel like a recharged battery.’ You are the ultimate charger,” Thomas-Greenfield remarked, highlighting the significance of Mandela’s legacy on Nelson Mandela Day.
She drew attention to youth-led initiatives worldwide, such as those in Sudan and Ukraine, and lauded the bravery of young leaders like Joseph Kim and Praise Joo from North Korea.
The Ambassador did not shy away from addressing the challenges faced by young activists, citing examples of oppressive actions in Russia and Iran against youth dissidents. She acknowledged the difficulties of fighting for justice but encouraged resilience and hope among the young leaders present.
A focal point of her speech was the call for greater inclusion of young people in decision-making processes at the United Nations.
“We need more young people in the rooms where decisions get made. But more than that – we need more young people helping make those decisions,” she asserted, stressing the importance of integrating youth perspectives into global governance to address 21st-century challenges effectively.
Thomas-Greenfield also emphasized the reciprocal nature of learning between generations, noting that young leaders bring innovative ideas and new ways of thinking that can drive progress.
She encouraged the young audience to continue advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to challenge the status quo in diplomatic spaces.
In closing, the Ambassador expressed her belief in the young leaders’ ability to create a better future and urged them to persist in their efforts.
“We have failed you in solving the problems of climate change, conflict, youth issues, and poverty. So, we have passed that burden onto you to solve. And we’re depending on you because we believe in you.”
