Reflections on the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi: A Call for Inclusion and Equity

In a historic move, the United Nations Civil Society Conference found its home in Africa for the first time, gracing the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi. This pivotal event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders including civil society organizations, senior UN officials, international NGOs, youth advocates, academia, influencers, and media, the conference aimed to address pressing global challenges. With an anticipated attendance of over 1500 participants, it served as a precursor to the forthcoming Summit of the Future in New York in September 2024.

As a youth activist and human rights defender deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and equity, I embarked on this journey with a fervent hope that the conference would uphold the principles of diversity and leave no voice unheard. With the United Nations' rallying cry of "leaving no one behind" as my guiding beacon, I endeavoured to ensure that marginalized voices, including those of LGBTQI+, refugees, and ethnic minorities, were not merely present but actively amplified, their perspectives duly acknowledged, and their recommendations meticulously documented.

Yet, amidst the palpable enthusiasm, several distressing issues came to the forefront:

1. Lack of Clear Selection Criteria: From the outset, it became evident that the selection process for in-person attendees lacked transparency and consistency. Numerous youth-led organizations, particularly those beyond Nairobi's confines, encountered rejection or faced communication breakdowns regarding their registrations. Alarmingly, some Refugee-Led Organizations were unjustly denied access to badges, effectively precluding their participation. Conversations with fellow activists underscored a troubling trend: selection criteria seemed to prioritize affiliations with established entities over the substantive merit of an organization's work. This disparity in treatment, especially glaring when contrasted with previous UN engagements earlier in the year, raises poignant questions about the genuineness of efforts to localize agendas and the authenticity of youth engagement.

1. Accessibility Challenges for Virtual Participants: Even for those opting for virtual participation, formidable barriers persisted. In a poignant moment during a session hosted by the IOM - UN Migration , a language barrier impeded the meaningful engagement of a French-speaking participant. As we navigated through discussions on global peace and security (via breakout session), the struggle to bridge this linguistic chasm underscored systemic deficiencies in accommodating diverse linguistic needs. Through collective solidarity, we endeavoured to amplify our colleague's voices, pressing organizers to rectify this oversight. This episode vividly illustrates the imperative of fostering an environment where every participant, regardless of linguistic background, feels empowered to contribute meaningfully.
2. Neglect of Online Participants: Following our hybrid session, a disheartening revelation emerged: online participants, despite constituting the majority, were conspicuously overlooked in post-session acknowledgements. This unsettling omission raises profound questions about the authenticity of our engagement. Were we mere tokens, included as a perfunctory gesture rather than as valued contributors? This nagging doubt lingers, underscoring the urgency of reevaluating the mechanisms through which online participation is recognized and valued.

In light of these sobering observations, I propose the following recommendations:

• Prioritize Accessibility: UN entities must proactively address barriers to participation, including language barriers, and ensure equitable access for all participants. This entails transparent communication regarding limitations and proactive measures to accommodate diverse needs, from registration to active engagement, for both in-person and virtual attendees.

• Embrace Independent Voices: Recognizing that many youth activists operate independently from formal INGOS or NGOs, the UN must transcend bureaucratic barriers and actively encourage the participation of grassroots voices. By valuing the contributions of independent activists, we can foster a more inclusive discourse that reflects the diverse realities of civil society.

• Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Upholding these principles throughout conference planning and execution is imperative. By amplifying the voices of young leaders from historically marginalized communities, the conference can authentically reflect the multiplicity of global perspectives, thereby enriching discussions and outcomes.

• Facilitate Feedback Mechanisms: Hosting validation sessions for the review of reports, and soliciting input from participants are vital steps towards fostering a culture of trust and accountability. By incorporating feedback into future conference planning, organizers can iteratively improve engagement mechanisms, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and valued.

As we navigate the path forward, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable global discourse—one where every voice, especially those from historically marginalized regions and communities, is not only heard but honoured and embraced. Together, let us endeavour to transform our aspirations for inclusion into tangible realities, catalyzing positive change on a global scale.