Speaker
Description
The empowerment of the next generation of experts, capable of supporting the mission of the CTBTO, both politically and technically, and advancing the universalization and entry into force of the CTBT is a cross-cutting objective. This commitment is equally aligned with the UN system-wide effort of meaningful youth engagement, outlined in the UN Secretary-General’s “Youth 2030” strategy, released in 2018. The strategy encourages the UN system to advance programmatic work not only “for”, but also “with” youth, enabling co-creation and meaningful youth inclusion in decision-making processes and programmatic work.
Since 2016, the CTBTO has been a leading UN system agency in terms of next generation outreach, awareness raising and education, providing the next generation of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation experts with capacity building, research and professional opportunities. The venues for engagement with youth could be various, from strengthened partnerships with civil society and academia, to providing support for youth-led projects and integrating the next generation into the planning and roll out of major CTBT-related events.
The panellists will highlight the achievements of CTBTO initiatives focused in supporting youth, share best practices of next generation engagement formats, and discuss forward-looking actions. Moreover, it will serve to raise awareness among experts, diplomats and other UN entities, about the role of the young professionals to support the CTBT universalization and entry into force.
The panel will also encourage views and suggestions from the audience, which could result in a post-session roadmap development with innovative suggestions useful for the future synergies between the CTBTO Youth Group, Young Professional Network and other outreach initiatives focused on youth,
