Today is a momentous day for Malawi and young people worldwide as our Executive Director, Martin Manyozo, stands among the 10 youths selected globally by the United Nations Youth Office to contribute to the Summit of the Future at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Martin’s participation at the Youth Action Days during UNGA is not just a personal milestone—it’s a victory for youth advocacy, proving the immense potential of young leaders in shaping global conversations on peace, security, and governance.
Delivering Recommendations to the UN Deputy Secretary-General
At the summit, Martin delivered a powerful speech to the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, sharing actionable recommendations that emphasize the urgency of empowering youth worldwide. Here’s a glimpse of his key points:
1. Youth in Global Security Decision-Making: Martin advocated for the full integration of youths in global platforms such as the summit of the future, the peacebuilding architecture review, and UN Security Council reforms.
He called for prioritizing education, capacity building, and transnational cooperation to remove systemic barriers and ensure young people are true stakeholders in global security dialogues.
- 2. Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2250:Martin urged the UN to move beyond tokenism in youth engagement by investing in youth-led organizations and implementing funding strategies to enable young people to lead, protect, and transform their communities.
3. Youth as Stakeholders in Governance and Violence Prevention: He emphasized the need for governments and international bodies to co-design and co-implement violence prevention strategies, ensuring youth feedback is integrated at every stage.
4. A Global Recommitment to Peace, Youth Protection, and Human Rights: Martin called for an immediate ceasefire in conflict zones, protection for vulnerable populations, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard the future.
A Defining Moment for Youth Leadership
This moment goes beyond Martin’s individual achievement—it’s a rallying cry for young people everywhere to rise and lead in creating a more peaceful, secure, and inclusive world. His voice at the UN Summit echoes the aspirations of millions of youth who believe in a better tomorrow
We are incredibly proud of Martin for representing Malawi on this global stage and for inspiring action toward a brighter, more equitable future. Together, we can shape a world where youth leadership thrives.
Let’s lead together for peace, security, and inclusivity—our future depends on it!
