Young people have enormous power to shape better world, Migiro tells students

Asha-Rose Migiro noted that the world faces an increasingly complex set of realities, from rising joblessness to growing inequality to the increasing dangers of climate change. People are anxious about their well-being today and their prospects for a better future.

“We need to forge a common agenda that can help ensure peace, prosperity, freedom and justice for all. Young people have a crucial role to play in building that future,” she said yesterday in remarks at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.

“Sometimes the contributions of the world’s youth are not acknowledged sufficiently,” Ms. Migiro noted. “But one need only look at the events of the past 10 months to see your power.”

Young people led successful movements against repressive governments in Egypt and Tunisia, she said. They are also combating poverty and hunger, protecting the environment, halting the spread of HIV and AIDS, and standing up for the rights of those who suffer discrimination based on gender, race and sexual orientation.

“They are, in short, demanding the dignity and opportunities that are their right.”

Ms. Migiro encouraged students to think beyond themselves and “engage with the big challenges of our day, be a global citizen, and be part of making the world a better place.”

Noting that technology and social media have collapsed barriers and transformed the way young people communicate, she said there are plenty of opportunities for them to learn about the world, engage on topics that interest them and interact with others from around the world.

“I encourage you to follow issues that matter to you, seek out the views and perspectives of others, and bring your own ideas into the discussion about our common future,” she said.

In a separate address yesterday to the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the UN Association of the United States, Ms. Migiro noted that the world faces an increasingly complex set of realities, including a prolonged economic crisis.

There is also growing concern about the ability of governments to address current challenges, and to deliver the results people need, when they need them, she said, adding that these challenges and uncertainties are also a major concern of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Last month, in his annual address to the full membership of the UN, Mr. Ban outlined five ways to advance peace, prosperity, freedom and justice for all.

“We have five imperatives – five generational opportunities to shape the world of tomorrow by the decisions we make today,” he said ahead of the opening of the General Assembly’s annual high-level debate.

Mr. Ban cited sustainable development; preventing and mitigating conflicts, human rights abuses and the impacts of natural disasters; building a safer and more secure world; supporting countries in transition; and working to engage the talents of women and young people.

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> United Nations (UN).

The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 by 51 countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN: membership totals 192 countries.

When States become Members of the United Nations, they agree to accept the obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations. According to the Charter, the UN has four purposes:

• to maintain international peace and security;
• to develop friendly relations among nations;
• to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights;
• and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.

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* The above story is adapted from materials provided by United Nations (UN)
** More information at United Nations (UN)