From Base to Summit: RCs Support Countries' Visions for a Better Future
Spanning continents and encompassing a diverse array of activities, the work of Resident Coordinators (RC) and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) underscores the critical role of inclusivity and forward-thinking in paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for people and the planet.
In anticipation of the upcoming Summit of the Future, Resident Coordinators across the world have been engaging with national partners and, notably, young people, to collect diverse voices and ensure these are heard and amplified on the global stage. From invigorating youth consultations and intergenerational dialogues to shaping policy notes and other outcome documents, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to help shape our collective future.
This compilation of snapshots showcases the remarkable efforts over the past year harnessing the transformative power of collective engagement as we approach this pivotal moment in history.
Armenia: Empowering Voices for the Future
The Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) supported Armenia to strategically integrated the Summit of the Future's vision into existing national processes. The government, with support from the RCO, engaged diverse groups in consultations focusing on crucial areas like food systems and peace.
Young people actively shaped the discourse through Model UN initiatives and the drafting of a dedicated Youth Declaration, ensuring their aspirations and concerns are reflected in the global conversation and the Declaration for Future Generations.
Armenia's government commitment extended to shaping the Pact for the Future, emphasizing peace and global governance. Furthermore, the RCO and UNCT supported TEDxYerevan, spotlighting digital connectivity and aligning with the Summit’s vision for a digitally empowered future.
Malaysia: Dialogues for Peace and Prosperity
In Malaysia, the RCO led dialogues with representatives from the governments of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, as well as with civil society representatives. These discussions focused on the Summit of The Future and its three pillars; the draft Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.
The RCO identified key actions areas through these engagements and developed a feedback mechanism to facilitate input from stakeholders. The RCO also engaged with youth, discussing the role of young people and youth-led organizations in building a future of shared prosperity, sustainability, and peace.
Mexico: Echoes of the Future
In Mexico, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico, under the leadership of the UN in Mexico held a youth focused “Echoes of the Future Summit”.
This forum provided a space for young people to express themselves through art, memory, and collective reflection on Mexican history, and how these experiences can be foundational pillars of an inclusive, equitable and sustainable future.
The art exhibition provided a creative space for participants and reflected the challenges faced by youth in Mexico today including climate change, decent employment, peace, and security. The youth in attendance, through their powerful voices collectively sought to empower themselves and act towards building a sustainable future. The youth delegation attending the upcoming Summit of the Future in New York will take inspiration from these insights to broaden their impact.
Nepal: Amplifying Voices, Shaping the Future
In Nepal, the UNCT, under the leadership of the RC, spearheaded a comprehensive process of engagement with various stakeholders, ahead of the Summit of the Future. The Nepal Youth Summit brought together young people to endorse a Youth Declaration, which was shared with the Prime Minister, who reaffirmed his commitment to conveying the hopes and aspirations of Nepali youth at the Summit of the Future.
The Financing for Development Dialogue, held in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and the private sector, fostered discussions on financing the SDGs and aligning with the Summit's focus on reforming the international financing architecture.
Lastly, the Nepal Civil Society Conference, organized jointly by NGOs and the UN, amplified civil society voices, emphasizing peace, sustainability, and inclusion. This culminated in an outcome document advocating for actionable plans that prioritize accountability, equity, and international commitments on climate justice, social equity, and youth empowerment.
Peru: Voices of Peruvian Youth for the Future
The UN in Peru led by the RC in collaboration with the National Youth Secretariat, the National University of Engineering (UNI), and in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, came together to amplify young people’s priorities ahead of the upcoming Summit of the Future.
In a forum that was attended by the government officials and young people, they discussed the key priorities identified in a youth survey conducted by the National Youth Secretariat and UN Peru with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The results of the will inform Peru’s contribution to the Summit of the Future. The forum also served as a platform to celebrate the first cohort of the UNI and UN Peru Leaders Academy, marking the achievement of 700 young leaders from 74 higher education institutions who are committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
South Africa: Mandela's Legacy Fuels Action and Partnership
In the lead-up to the Summit of the Future, South Africa's UNCT, under the leadership of the RC, forged a strategic partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) to catalyze collaborative action on the SDGs.
The flagship initiative of this partnership was the Mandela Day 17 Global Goals TEDx Johannesburg event, featuring a message from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. The event then showcased 17 trailblazing changemakers from across South Africa, who shared their transformative experiences and insights through dynamic sessions focused on "Seeds of Hope," "Empowered Communities," and "Harmonious Stewardship."
Their powerful stories and innovative solutions showcased South Africa's dedication to accelerating progress on the SDGs. This momentum is further amplified by a striking visual campaign: billboards across major cities, highlighting the Summit's key themes and South Africa's role in shaping a sustainable future.
Sri Lanka: Bridging the Digital Divide
In preparation for the Summit of the Future, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Presidential Secretariat, in collaboration with the UNCT and led by the RC co-hosted a national forum which brought together government, academia, media and civil society to discuss the contributions of Sri Lanka to the Summit of the Future.
Panelists in three themed sessions discussed Sustainable Development and Climate Financing, the Digital Divide and the Global Digital Compact highlighting the empowerment of women, youth, and future generations. Key discussions revolved around the need for innovative financial models, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and building digital infrastructure to effectively navigate challenges.
Panelists at these discussions emphasized the potential for Sri Lanka to be a global model for green recovery. They also discussed Sri Lanka’s digital initiatives which support the Global Digital Compact’s goal of expanding digital inclusion, contributing 5 per cent to the GDP through a growing digital economy. Additionally, they emphasized the concerted international effort to educate, advocate, and empower women and youth, ensuring their active and meaningful participation on the global stage.
