Emerging Public Leaders at UN Summit of the Future consultation

Geneva, Switzerland – Emerging Public Leaders’ Executive Director Abigail Kajumba attended the United Nations pre-conference Consultation of the United Nations Summit of the Future, "Shaping the Futures: Amplifying Minority Voice through Political, Traditional, and Youth Leaders for Sustainable Development and Global Governance.” The five-day pre-conference consultation organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and The Global Minority Parliamentarians Caucus , invited youth leaders, NGOs, and representatives of minority groups to the forefront of conversations ahead of the Summit of the Future in September 2024.

Kajumba moderated the panel discussion of Session Five, “Transforming Global Governance”. The discussion focused on the need for greater representation of minorities and young people in policy and decision-making positions. Watch this video from Geneva Times as EU Parliamentarian Monica Semedo responds to questions about youth representation.

Following this, the United Nations General Assembly invited Kajumba to the Third Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent at the United Nations headquarters, Kajumba made a statement about increasing access to careers in the public service; how Emerging Public Leaders and their partners in government are engaging more young Africans, especially women and individuals with disabilities to entry-level positions in the public service; and the need for more support and funding to civil society groups working in Africa.

Emerging Public Leaders was one of only a few civil society organizations asked to make a statement to underscore the important work on the continent sustaining progress toward realizing the SDGs. An emphasis on partnership permeated the pre-conference highlighted by the conversations of attendees and the linkages being made throughout the proceeding to be followed up on in the coming months before the Summit of the Future at which the attendees have determined to agree to a strategic plan to accomplish the SDGs by 2030.

Preparing for the Summit of the Future, the importance of youth-led initiatives in policymaking continues to command focus in conversations on sustainable good governance. Emerging Public Leaders is committed to demonstrating the lasting impact of investment in young professionals and leadership and amplifying the voices of minority leaders.

Editor’s Note

About Emerging Public Leaders

Emerging Public Leaders is a public service leadership organization that is preparing the next generation of competent and effective public sector leaders in Africa. EPL partners with governments and local organizations to rigorously identify public service professionals who are committed to practicing and promoting good governance throughout Africa. With our support throughout their career journeys, this diverse network of leaders influence and strengthen their country’s institutions for delivering democracy with excellence, care, innovation, and integrity. Learn more about EPL on Facebook , Twitter , or LinkedIn .

About The Summit of the Future

The Summit of the Future: multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance, reaffirm existing commitments including to the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Charter, and move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system that is better positioned to positively impact people’s lives.

Hosted by the United Nations, the summit will take place from September 22 to September 23 in 2024 alongside the United Nations General Assembly session. For more details visit their website .