Towards Equity and Inclusion: Insights from the Pre-CSW68 Youth Virtual Forum

Last weekend marked a significant milestone as the Pre-CSW68 Youth Virtual Forum convened, where I had the honor of representing the voices of 8,000 young people from 100 countries worldwide. These diverse perspectives contributed invaluable recommendations that will guide world leaders, policymakers, and governments toward a more equitable and inclusive future.

Over the past five months, alongside 15 esteemed professionals and youth leaders, we diligently synthesized the plethora of insights gathered. This collaborative effort culminated in a comprehensive recommendation paper, illuminating key themes vital to young people's aspirations for a fair and just society. These themes not only acknowledge the challenges we face but also chart the course toward actionable solutions and progress.

In this article, I am excited to share the enriching insights from this forum, particularly in light of this year's conference theme, "Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective," which resonates deeply with my decade-long advocacy for women's and youth's access to funds and participation in economic prosperity.

Theme 1: Meaningful Youth Engagement and Co-leadership ??

As young and adolescent people, their voices hold the key to shaping a more inclusive and equitable future. Our dedication to meaningful youth engagement and co-leadership must start with breaking down barriers hindering youth participation by overcoming age restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles.

To achieve ambitious goals, public-private partnerships are vital. These collaborations leverage resources and expertise, driving impactful initiatives that empower youth and foster social justice.

Theme 2: Economic Empowerment for Women ????

Addressing economic vulnerabilities and ensuring equal opportunities for women in the workforce are essential priorities. While prioritizing decent work and labor rights remains crucial, we must also champion young entrepreneurship and bridge the funding gap for youth and women-led projects.

Less than 10% of female-led startups receive adequate funding, irrespective of the quality of their ideas.

Young people as well as women have continually showcased their innovative talent. Yet, we cannot simply focus on helping them secure employment; we must empower them to create opportunities. In my decade-long journey navigating startup ecosystems across diverse markets and growth stages, I've encountered a significant challenge: the scarcity of female founders scaling their ventures, particularly in the tech industry. Although we've seen some progress in their representation, it remains modest, with less than 10% of female-led startups receiving adequate funding, irrespective of the quality of their ideas according to an article published by Harvard Business Review.

This lack of recognition has direct and indirect adverse effects. It limits access to support networks, undermines confidence, and hinders the development of inclusive funding mechanisms. Moreover, it diminishes the participatory influence of marginalized groups in local and global arenas. As the saying goes, "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu."

By addressing the funding gap for youth and women-led startups, especially those that emerge from grassroots communities, we can amplify their voices and advocate effectively for gender equality and poverty reduction.

Genuine economic empowerment initiatives serve as the cornerstone for achieving our goals.

Theme 3: Skills Development and Innovation ????

The emphasis on lifelong learning and capacity-building was remarkable, with young people acknowledging its pivotal role in fostering meaningful engagement and driving innovation. Increasing investment in formal and informal education, coupled with leveraging emerging technologies like AI and VR for upskilling in today's fast-paced world, is essential.

Furthermore, intergenerational relationships and mentorship programs are invaluable, as they not only transmit wisdom but also foster a shared vision for the future across generations.

Theme 4: Ending Gender-Based Violence and Conflict Resolution?????

Ending sexual and gender-based violence remains a paramount concern, necessitating comprehensive support for survivors and initiatives aimed at economic empowerment. Furthermore, addressing colonial legacies and reducing military expenditure are crucial steps toward advancing gender equality, sustainable development, and global peacebuilding endeavors.

Young people advocate reallocating military resources to initiatives promoting gender equality and sustainable development.

Given that military interventions reached a record high of US$2.4 trillion in 2022 according to the 2023 New Agenda for Peace by the United Nations, young people are acutely aware of the potential benefits of reallocating these significant resources toward initiatives that promote gender equality and sustainable development. This underscores the urgent need for global leaders to prioritize peacebuilding efforts and invest in the well-being of communities affected by conflict, with a focus on enhancing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

In conclusion, the Pre-CSW68 Youth Virtual Forum has shed light on critical issues and provided actionable recommendations for a more equitable future. From meaningful youth engagement to economic empowerment and conflict resolution, the insights shared underscore the urgent need for collective action.

Let us heed the voices of young leaders and work together to build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.