From learners to leaders: youth shaping UNSSC learning experiences

Youth leadership and agency are integral to the progression of sustainable development. It is imperative to recognize that young individuals are not merely recipients of knowledge but active contributors in advancing knowledge on sustainable development. UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) emphasizes the importance of meaningful engagement of young people in peacebuilding at all levels. In line with this resolution, the UN System Staff College (UNSSC) offers learning opportunities to the UN and its partners to enhance the implementation of the YPS agenda.

Drawing from my leadership in building active and influential youth peacebuilding movements and campaigns, I have gained extensive skills and expertise in youth leadership. Through my digital presence on LinkedIn and other virtual platforms, I disseminate strategies and insights on youth led advocacy, movement building, leadership and social entrepreneurship ensuring that many other young people can learn from my leadership experiences. In July 2019, during my brief to the Security Council, I urged Member States to increase the participation of young people in decision making processes including by listening to voices of local actors. Voices of young people from the grassroots represent the realities and aspirations for the future we aspire to shape global decisions.

“We are not too young to lead” - youth as subject experts

UNSSC's approach to YPS Implementation goes beyond training delivery for UN and partners on youth engagement. The UN College is actively seeking ways to mainstream the YPS agenda in its everyday operations and mandate - walking the talk by actively engaging young people in the design and delivery of courses.  For example, in 2022, as part of the Youth Force: Transforming Accountable Growth and Recovery from COVID-19 Programme implemented by the UN Youth Office, I participated in an in-person training at the UN College in Turin. The training designed for young leaders like me incorporated training on Climate Action, Futures Literacy, Intersectional Advocacy among other key topics related to sustainable development. It was during my time in Turin that I interacted with the UNSSC staff who were impressed by my leadership skills and experience demonstrated during the workshop.

Following my participation in the Youth Force Training, I was invited by UNSSC to co-facilitate the Leadership Training by UNODA-UNSSC for the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons. In my session on Transformative Youth Leadership, I drew on my experiences as a youth leader who started at the grassroots level and developed my leadership to become a recognized global youth leader and influencer, sharing three key strategies for effective youth leadership: upskilling and reskilling, networking and relationship building, and most importantly, mobilizing for collective action.

Contrary to popular belief, young people are subject experts in not only youth-related issues but also various other fields as well. Whether it’s in conflict and security, social justice, climate action, technology, or entrepreneurship, young people possess a wide array of knowledge that enriches the learning process to make it inclusive and relevant in addressing today’s societal challenges. Recognizing youth expertise and providing platforms for them to share insights not only empowers them but also ensures a comprehensive approach to learning inclusive of all individuals regardless of age. By integrating young people’s experiences into learning, we enrich the learning experiences for all and promote intergenerational trust which is critical for peaceful co-existence in society as well as institutions.

Nothing for us without us; creating space for diverse youth voices

To fully harness the power of youth leadership and agency, it is important to recognize that youth is not a homogeneous category. The intersection of socio-cultural and geographical identities creates varied realities for young individuals. For instance, as a young woman from Kenya, my leadership capabilities are influenced by gender and social norms, existing inequalities, and geopolitical nuances that can sometimes constrain my participation in global initiatives. Having grown up in a low-income neighborhood faced with insecurity and violence, especially towards girls and women, I had limited opportunities for learning that increased my vulnerabilities to poverty and violence. The stakes were high, and I always knew that I had to work twice as hard, if not more, to succeed in my personal and professional life. Even after acquiring formal education, I continued to face discrimination in employment opportunities because of my gender, and in some instances because of my nationality as many global organizations prioritize hiring young people from more developed countries and/or with education from globally recognized institutions.

Yet, despite all these challenges, my experience is not equal to every young woman in Kenya. This is because I had the privilege of upskilling and networking through programmes such as the UN Youth Force and UNDP’s 16x16 Initiative that have set me ahead of my peers when it comes to leadership. My experience in mobilizing communities for collective action, influencing policies, and implementing programmes offers valuable learning opportunities for the UN and its partners.

When UNSSC invited me to co-design and deliver UNODA's Leadership training, it was a profound acknowledgment of my leadership skills and a platform to amplify my voice. By actively involving diverse young individuals in decision-making processes and providing them with a seat at the table, we not only ensure their representation but also promote their ability to shape policies and practices.

Stronger together; collaborating for sustainable development

Effective learning environments thrive on collaboration and mentorship. Organizations like UNSSC play a crucial role in fostering meaningful partnerships between youth experts and seasoned professionals. In co-creating the leadership session for the UNODA-UNSSC Leadership Workshop, I was privileged to collaborate with UNSSC experts, from whom I learned more about leadership theories and approaches. Additionally, I expanded my network by engaging with UNODA youth leaders from across the world, learning from their initiatives and experiences. By encouraging intergenerational dialogue, spaces are created for mutual learning where youth can benefit from established experts and vice versa. This exchange of knowledge and experiences nurtures a culture of continuous learning, empowering youth leaders and bridging the knowledge gap between different generations.

Call to Action

Recognizing young people as subject experts and empowering them to contribute their knowledge to learning and development opportunities is crucial to achieving sustainable development. The UN and its partners must proactively engage with young people, embracing their diversity and creating opportunities for those on the margins of society to participate in decision-making processes at all levels.

By valuing and nurturing youth leadership, we pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.