UNA Scotland: Contributing to the UN Summit of the Future 2024: A Reflection on Advocacy and Engagement

In the lead-up to the Summit, I engaged in e-consultations, forums, and discussions, advocating for inclusive global policies that address the needs of young people, women, and diverse communities. I emphasised the importance of strengthened global governance to enhance human rights and social justice. A key aspect of my advocacy was promoting intergenerational leadership and the implementation of paid internships within the UN, ensuring accessibility for young people was essential to promote equitable youth participation within the UN framework.

Central to my contributions was the promotion of gender equity, particularly in advocating for girls' and women's rights. I underscored the importance of women's representation in decision-making processes, especially in conflict zones where their perspectives are often overlooked. Through specific mechanisms, I proposed ways to amplify women's voices in governance at both local and international levels.

In 2024, I took a bold stance on nuclear disarmament, underscoring its critical role in fostering trust among nations and ensuring long-term peace. I advocated for recognising nuclear disarmament as fundamental to a safer world, calling for collaborative, cross-border efforts to mitigate nuclear risks and prioritise international cooperation.

Institutional reform within the United Nations was also a central focus of my efforts. I emphasised the need for enhanced transparency, accountability, and revitalisation of core UN bodies, including the General Assembly and the Office of the Secretary-General. I advocated for strengthening institutional practices, particularly around recruitment and employment, to promote fairness and accessibility. These efforts aimed to make the UN more transparent, responsive, and effective in tackling today's pressing global challenges, ultimately building a more resilient UN system ready to better serve the global community.

Progress relies on robust partnerships, I focused on extending the collaboration to governments, civil society, and the private sector through frameworks that enable collective advancement. I acknowledged that responsibility extends to both local and national levels, and collective contributions are essential. 

In conclusion, the Pact represents over two years of collective contributions and seeks to protect both current and future generations from escalating crises, including poverty, climate change, conflict, and systemic inequality.

I am deeply grateful for the incredible support I received throughout this journey. Special thanks to Gari Donn and Rebecca Johnstone for their invaluable guidance and encouragement. My heartfelt appreciation also extends to UNAS and the UNA London Trust for their financial contribution, which made my participation as a youth delegate possible. Witnessing the approval of the Pact for the Future on 22nd September was a surreal and humbling experience. I thank God for everyone who was part of this fantastic journey.