Delegate: Ms. Skei Grande
37. Ms. SKEI GRANDE (Norway), speaking as a youth representative, said that the planet which her generation would inherit was facing enormous global challenges, such as the global warming, which would have major environmental consequences. The sharing of the world’s resources, including water and food, was also a major problem. Young people worldwide faced the same challenges and should be granted increased access to decision-making. Their participation was both desirable and [*9*] necessary; their visions, solidarity and strong motivation were badly needed. Young people, through their own organizations, should be allowed to shape their future at all levels. The most important mass movements for peace, human rights, the environment and democracy had all been strongly supported by young people. Student movements had brought about significant democratic changes in several countries.
38. The United Nations should be in the front line in that respect. The World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (General Assembly resolution 50/81, annex) was a step in the right direction, but must be followed up. The young must be given increased influence at the United Nations, and recommendations made by youth organizations such as the Youth Forum of the United Nations System should receive more attention.
39. In the collective effort to counter the serious threats to the existence of the human race, every little step would count. She appealed to all countries to give young people more access to decision-making, both regionally and nationally, and to let them participate in shaping their own future. The States Members of the United Nations should work towards increased numbers of youth representatives at their meetings, and enable the Youth Forum to become a regular event with secure financing.
UN Doc.: A/C.3/51/SR.3
Cite as:
UN Doc.: A/C.3/51/SR.3, 14 October 1996, p. 8-9, Youth Delegate Search: https://youthdelegatesearch.org/norway-1996/, doi: 10.17176/20221018-195212-0.