Member countries have the opportunity to include a youth representative in their official delegation to the UN General Assembly, and WOSM participates in the General Assembly as an international youth non-government organisation (NGO). This year, 19 countries sent youth delegates, two of which are active in Scouting - Eekku Aromaa (26) from Finland and Jonathan Mack (23) from Germany.

During the event, youth representatives had the opportunity to address the Assembly, with Miss Aromaa highlighting issues such as climate change and global warming. “Sustainable human development cannot be ensured without young people, the ones who have to bear the consequences of today's decisions, even if they have not been given the opportunity to participate and have their say on those decisions”.

“In order to be active citizens, to be able to influence society and the decisions effecting their own lives, young people need to be not only given opportunities to participate and have their voice heard, but it is also necessary to make sure that their basic needs are fulfilled. In order to become active citizens, to be part of society, young people need to have access to education and employment”.

Jonathan Mack focused his statement on youth participation, recognition of non-formal education and empowerment of young people. “Young people request equal opportunities and empowerment, because they want to take responsibility. Young people are ready to shape their environment and to commit for equality.” “Youth-led organisations and young people are often one step ahead of politics. Exactly 100 years ago, while no politician was concerned about youth policy, young boy and girls Scouts started the first and largest youth movement worldwide to empower young people and to contribute to society”, Jonathan stated to the General Assembly.

World Scouting has held ECOSOC consultative status since 1947 and participates every year in different UN meetings, including the UN General Assembly that gathers in New York. In addition, WOSM also maintains ongoing relationships with several UN agencies and programmes, having signed Memorandums of Understanding with many of them.

The youth delegates and representatives of youth organisations had also the possibility to meet the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon.

Watch the videos of the General Assembly:
Meeting with the UN Secretary General
Speech of Germany
Speech of Finland

Further reading:
Eekku's statement to the UN General Assembly
Jonathan's statement to the UN General Assembly