Ministerial
roundtable of ECOSOC Youth Forum 20201
Minister for
Development Cooperation – Flemming Moeller Mortensen
Thank you.
Youth is a key priority for DK in our development policy. We promote
development not just for but by and with young people.
Young people are more than beneficiaries. They are equal partners and
leaders of change.
To us meaningful youth participation is not nice to, but need to.
We will have a strong focus on youth in our new development strategy. And
to turn that strategy into reality, I will be launching an international youth
panel, where 14 young people from Denmark and development countries will advise
me on strategies, projects and programs.
Denmark has also expanded our UN youth delegate program from 6 to 8
delegates.
And we have a global youth advisor to ensure a continuous focus on
mainstreaming youth in our work.
The key principle of youth inclusion also extends to the 2030 agenda.
Young people play an essential role in achieving the SDGs. As member states we
have the responsibility to ensure that they are listened to and included in the
processes.
Because it is so important
to hear directly from young people themselves, I will now pass on the remaining
time to Danish Youth Delegate, Malene Bentsen Laursen.
Thank you.
Danish UN
Youth Delegate – Malene Bentsen Laursen
Thank you.
Throughout the past
year, one question has continued to reappear: what society do we want after the
pandemic?
Human Rights must be
upheld, the Sustainable Development Goals must be achieved, and the Paris
Climate Accord must be respected. In these three documents we have already –
together – defined the future we want and the change needed.
During this pandemic
while so much has changed, one thing has not: Change is led by young people -
across the world, young people have continued to fight for their rights, and
their governments have denied them these rights.
This is one reason why
the meaningful inclusion of young people at the UN and at member state level
must continue to improve. The UN Youth Strategy “Youth 2030” sets out as its
first priority to “amplify youth voices for the promotion of a peaceful, just
and sustainable world”.
This is even more
important during the recovery of covid-19. It is the responsibility of member
states to include us - especially when it comes to decision-making, policy
implementation and the sustainability of our future.
The young people of
the world count on the UN to continue to include us, so our presence does not
end with this meeting, but is prioritized so our voices will gain true
influence.
Thank you.