The New Youth Leader at the UN Discusses Benefits for Young People

A New Era for Youth Voices at the United Nations: An Insight with Jesse Paullier

Jesse Paullier, a 33-year-old trailblazer, has stepped into a significant role within the United Nations (U.N.), reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of youth engagement in global governance. At a time when the youth hold immense potential to shape the future, this new office signals a crucial shift towards prioritizing their voices on an international stage.

When asked about his age at the beginning of our conversation, Paullier quipped about feeling older since assuming his position. However, his youthfulness and passion for change are palpable. He highlighted that while the U.N. has long advocated for youth issues, establishing this role is indicative of a broader commitment to placing youth engagement at the forefront of global discussions.

Paullier emphasizes that the diversity among young people means that no single voice can represent them all. “My role isn’t about representing the youth; it’s about recognizing the varied perspectives they bring,” he explained. He sees his position as an affirmation that institutions are starting to acknowledge the critical role of youth in decision-making processes. This recognition is not merely symbolic; it opens doors for meaningful participation and influence in shaping policies that affect their lives.

The recent “Summit of the Future,” which took place at the United Nations, was particularly pivotal in this regard. Paullier pointed out two significant commitments that emerged from the summit. The first is the promise by governments to develop mechanisms for youth engagement at the national level. The second is the establishment of global principles for meaningful youth participation—an idea that has evolved in recent years. In the past, young people were typically viewed as mere beneficiaries of policies; today, they are seen as partners in creating change.

During the summit, a young activist articulated a critical sentiment: participation is not merely about being invited to speak at events but rather about being heard and seeing tangible outcomes from that involvement. Paullier acknowledges this challenge, recognizing that traditional institutions, including the U.N., must evolve to meet the needs of today’s youth. He noted how technology has empowered individuals and transformed accountability systems, enabling greater organization and mobilization among young people.

This transformation, however, necessitates that traditional bodies align with these changes. “It’s essential that institutions adapt to the new world we live in,” he said. Paullier believes that the summit’s commitments from governments illustrate a willingness to embrace this evolution, even if the road to full implementation may be challenging.

One of the crucial underlying themes in our conversation was whether young people’s goals are realistic. Paullier responded with confidence, “Completely,” underscoring his belief that the aspirations of youth are not only attainable but imperative for future progress.

The significance of this evolving landscape cannot be overstated. The integration of youth perspectives at the U.N. signifies a broader paradigm shift, recognizing that society’s younger members play a vital role in addressing pressing global challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and social justice.

As we reflect on this new direction for youth engagement at the U.N., it’s essential to recognize the potential this movement holds for current and future generations. By fostering meaningful interactions between youth and decision-makers, we can bridge the existing gap between policies and the realities that young people face globally.

Institutions like the U.N. must commit to transparency, accountability, and genuine participation from youth voices. If successfully executed, this initiative could lead to groundbreaking changes in how policies are formed—ultimately resulting in a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world for everyone.

Stay tuned to the conversation surrounding youth engagement at the U.N. and beyond, as Jesse Paullier and his office navigate a path that amplifies the voices of young people everywhere.

For more updates on the United Nations and the initiatives related to youth engagement, visit AP News.