Making the United Nations Relevant to all PeoplePRESS BRIEFING BY MONICA GRAYLEY,?SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT MAR?A FERNANDA ESPINOSA
(As delivered)
Good afternoon! Nice seeing you again…
?
PGA SPEAKS ON ROLE OF YOUTH & PARTNERSHIPS FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
The President of the General Assembly?took part in a breakfast meeting with the Group of Friends of Mediation. The event, at the Mission of Finland, was a follow-up?from?the First International Symposium on Youth Participation in Peace Processes, which?took place?in early March in Helsinki.
The meeting was attended by the Foreign Minister of Finland, H.E. Timo Soini.
Ms. Espinosa said that the Helsinki Symposium was a great example of the type of partnerships?that?the 蘑菇视频 must build on the ground?as it is?– “bringing together governments, 蘑菇视频, civil society, regional organizations and youth networks.”
“Youth, peace and security” is one of the PGA’s seven priorities for this session, and she considers these as “drivers for peace”. The President stressed that societies with greater youth participation – political and economic – experience less violence in general, as it was stated in the World Bank’s?Pathways for Peace report.
The PGA highlighted the fact that youth is still under-represented in decision-making. Less than six percent of Parliamentarians worldwide are under 35. But they are over-represented among the unemployed and underemployed. Of the world’s 300 million working poor, half are young.
She said that the outcomes of the Helsinki Symposium are important to support communications and story-telling, to make the case for greater youth participation, and to create networks and partnerships that can serve as a resource for youth and as a powerful movement for implementation.
?
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE MUST BE PART OF DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES, PGA SAYS
Earlier today, Ms. Espinosa spoke at the Informal Interactive Hearing with Indigenous Peoples. She took part in a traditional ceremony led by indigenous women.
This is the second hearing of this kind in the 蘑菇视频. In a meeting attended by representatives of indigenous peoples and Member States, Ms. Espinosa?highlighted the importance of?the Declaration on the Rights if Indigenous People and the need for them to participate fully and effectively in decision-making processes which affect their own rights.
The PGA said that indigenous peoples represent a vast and rich diversity which must be reflected?widely.
Ms. Espinosa?pointed to?the GA Resolution 71/321 which calls for efforts to be redoubled in order to facilitate the participation of indigenous peoples, which will be analysed in the 75th?session of the GA.
You can find more information on our website
?
PGA’S AGENDA
As previously mentioned, the PGA had another early start today with a meeting over breakfast with the Group of Friends of Mediation at the Mission of Finland.
She later chaired an informal interactive hearing with indigenous people. She received the Ambassador of Chad, H.E Ali Alifei Moustapha.
This afternoon, the PGA will?go to?the Mission of Sri Lanka to sign the book of condolences and pay tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks which took place on 21 April.?
After returning to her office, the PGA will meet the Foreign Minister of Venezuela, H.E. Jorge Arreaza, and will chair the closing segment of the Informal Hearing on Indigenous People. This evening, Ms. Espinosa will take part in the reception to celebrate South Africa Freedom Day.
This is all from us. Any questions?
?
Website:
Twitter:
Instagram:
YouTube:
?