Joint Statement for the Security Council from Youth Delegates to the United Nations

Excellency, President of the Security Council and Distinguished Members of the Security

Council,

In the name of Youth Delegates to the United Nations, we want to express our deepest concern with regards to the ongoing conflicts, divisions, and humanitarian crises we observe around the world. As was also said in this Council, now, more than ever, we need strong voices to stand for humane values. Through this letter, we aim not only to embody this voice but also to prompt the necessary actions to bring about peace.

As young people, we are alarmed by the devastating effects of ongoing conflicts on current and future generations. Children and youth do not start wars, yet they are the ones most exposed to their consequences. In 2023, global conflicts resulted in the deaths of three times as many children as the previous year.1 We lack the words to describe our consternation in the face of such developments.

At the Summit of the Future, many warned that inaction could lead the planet “to a dark future”. While this applies in many contexts, we believe that inaction in fostering peace is the most destructive barrier to all other developments. You are ambassadors to the UN because—just like us—you believe in the multilateral system—one that prioritizes cooperation for peace. Yet, this very system is at risk of eroding due to inaction and a lack of accountability. Many times this Council has declared its condemnation of humanitarian crises, but actions on the grounds and on national levels have not followed suit.

We understand that the future of global peace does not rest entirely in your hands. Still, you hold more influence in shaping this future than the vast majority of people on this planet. The lack of peace and the observed impunity erode the trust that millions of young people place in their leaders and in the values of humanity that they are meant to uphold. Since we, as youth, do not yet have the authority to make decisions on a global scale, we implore you to use your power to urge all members of this Council and your national governments to prioritize peace, humanity, and the preservation of life above all other interests or agendas. We ask that those who fail to do so be held accountable. In the same vein, we ask you to do everything within your power, on a national and multilateral level, to ensure that the resolutions passed by this Council are enforced.

We recognize that prioritizing peace above all else demands both courage and the willingness to recognize our shared humanity over partisanship. As Franklin D. Roosevelt stated: “Peace can endure only so long as humanity really insists upon it, and is willing to work for it and sacrifice for it.” We trust you, Excellency, President of the Security Council, and Distinguished Members of the Security Council, to take bold actions for peace.

Signed,