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The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the UN, Ambassador Andreas Hadjichrysanthou, delivered a statement by the Republic of Cyprus at the 77th General Assembly of the United Nations regarding the circulation of the UN Secretary-General's report on the establishment of a Youth Office at the Organization. The debate took place on 25 July 2023 at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus expressed appreciation for the excellent work of the UN Secretary-General's Envoy for Youth and her team in promoting the place of youth within the United Nations system. She noted that the Republic of Cyprus is a strong supporter of full, effective, constructive and inclusive participation of youth in decision-making centres, stressing that the role of youth within the UN system is indispensable. The Republic of Cyprus welcomes the report of the UN Secretary-General and the update on the establishment of the UN Youth Office, noting that the new UN Youth Office should effectively integrate the activities of the current Office of the UN Secretary-General's Envoy for Youth, based also on General Assembly Resolution 76/306. The United Nations Youth Office should continue to lead advocacy, coordination and accountability within the United Nations system on youth issues, including issues related to peace and security, sustainable development, humanitarian action and human rights. The Permanent Representative noted that Cyprus continues to support the integration of the ongoing activities of the Office of the UN Secretary-General's Envoy for Youth into the new UN Youth Office and reiterated the importance of institutional memory within the UN system.
In his remarks, the Permanent Representative stressed the urgent need to address the priorities and challenges facing young people and youth in order to realize their full potential at the local, national, regional and international levels. The implementation of the World Programme of Action for Youth and the 2030 Agenda remains a priority. Youth are the pillar of our societies, with enormous potential for action and innovative solutions. Therefore, we must recognise and empower youth.
The Republic of Cyprus recognises the rich contribution of youth and therefore implements programmes and specific actions to enhance youth participation. Mr. Hadjichrysanthou informed the UN General Assembly about the "House of Youth Representatives" programme, which is an initiative of two Cypriot youth NGOs (i.e. Cyprus Youth Council and Cyprus Youth DiplomaCY) and which has been institutionalized by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus, providing a permanent space for the youth of Cyprus to present their ideas and proposals to policy and decision-making centres.
Chatzichrysanthou said that the adoption of the "Youth 2030" agenda in 2018 as well as the reference to youth issues within the UN Secretary General's report "Our Common Agenda", give impetus for meaningful youth participation at all levels. Therefore, taking this opportunity, he once again expressed his sincere thanks to the UN Secretary-General's Envoy for Youth, H.E. Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, for her participation in the event "Youth of Cyprus celebrates the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations", which was held by the Cypriot youth NGO Cyprus Youth DiplomaCY, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus. The event gave Cypriot youth the opportunity to express directly, at the highest level, their views on the United Nations they want to see. Civil society events and initiatives such as this one highlight the importance of youth as an essential and equal partner in shaping the future.
In conclusion, the Permanent Representative noted that the voice, initiatives and actions of youth should be integrated within the United Nations system, as there is no issue that does not affect youth and to which youth cannot contribute, quoting former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's quote "You are never too young to lead, and we are never too old to learn".
(AF/EXP)
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