november 15, 2025

25.09.2025 ÜROs New Yorgis noorte kõrgetasemeliselüritusel

Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

I am honoured to speak as Estonia’s Youth Delegate on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth.

Today’s leaders are shaping the world we will inherit, making it essential for us to be actively involved in the decisions made. Yet, many young people face difficulties that limit not only their ability to build the lives they aspire to but also their chances to be included and heard.

Despite progress in some parts of the world,girls and young women still face immense barriers. According to UN Women, a girl or woman is killed by a family member every 10 minutes, and 12 million girls are forced into early marriage annually.

Hunger and poverty continue to steal dignity, potential, and future from millions of young people. One in four children lives in severe food shortage due to inequality, conflict, or climate crises.

Education is the cornerstone of every young person’s future, yet in 2024 an estimated 251 million children worldwide remained out of school. Access is particularly limited in conflict-affected areas – for example, in eastern Ukraine, where Russian attacks have destroyed schools, leaving children without safe learning environments. Estonia’s youth believe that education and digital access should be universal, and Estonia’s experience illustrates how this can be advanced: children acquire digital skills from an early age, schools benefit from free e-learning platforms and coding lessons, and the national “AI Leap” initiative brings practical AI tools to every school to promote the wise and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in education.

All of these issues I mentioned become even more acute in conflict regions. Therefore, it is essential to emphasize that the youth of Estonia – and, I believe, young people across the world – aspire above all to peaceful societies.

Excellencies,

This event marks a milestone, celebrating key anniversaries for youth. May this high-level gathering become a lasting tradition, where the UN not only listens to young people but actively engages and empowers them. As youth, we must find the courage to speak our truth and inspire others to do the same – a courage that flourishes when leaders foster a welcoming, valued, and inclusive space for youth.

Let us work together to build a world where every young person, regardless of gender or background, has the chance to thrive – a vision that requires peace at its core.

Thank you.