The Republic of Cyprus expressed on Monday its full support for the work and mandate of the United Nations Youth Office during the 79th Session of the General Assembly, at the discussion on the UN Secretary-General’s report about the Office.
Representing Nicosia, Andreas Panayiotou, diplomat at Cyprus’ Permanent Mission to the UN said that the country “aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union.”
Cyprus “welcomes the third report of the Secretary-General on the UN Youth Office,” he noted, and expressed satisfaction with “the progress and milestones described therein, and especially the impact of the Office across all three pillars.”
Panayiotou praised the leadership of the Youth Office for advancing the Youth2030 strategy, “strengthening partnerships, advancing youth affairs in the United Nations system, as well as all efforts to strengthen meaningful youth engagement at all levels.” He further welcomed the launching of the 2025-2028 strategic plan and underlined “the importance of the engagement of the Youth Office with Permanent Missions.”
“Young persons form the backbone of our societies as agents of positive change,” he said, stressing that their contribution is “indispensable in promoting peace and security, advancing sustainable development, and upholding human rights.”
Cyprus, he noted, is a “strong supporter of the full, equal and meaningful participation of young persons in decision-making processes at all levels – local, national, regional and international – including at the United Nations.”
He went on to say that “one of the key priorities of the Youth Office is to enhance the participation of young people in intergovernmental bodies, mechanisms and processes” across the UN system, and recognized “the visible and growing participation of youth in key processes.”
Moreover, Panayiotou made special reference to national efforts: “The government of Cyprus is implementing programmes and actions for meaningful youth participation, with particular focus on giving young people the opportunity to contribute to the shaping of national policies,” he said. He also announced that Nicosia is in the process of drafting a new “National Youth Strategy” through a participatory approach.
With regard to the international framework, he stressed that young people “are at the forefront of identifying innovative solutions to regional and global challenges.” He noted that the landmark Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015) on “Youth, Peace and Security,” together with the “Pact for the Future” adopted last year, have set “critical foundations for advancing youth participation and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.”
In this regard, he underlined the importance of the decision “to formally establish a dedicated secretariat aiming at enhancing and streamlining system-wide UN coordination on youth, peace and security.”
Panayiotou also said that Cyprus “reiterates its full support for the mandate and the work of the UN Youth Office.”
“In the eve of celebrating the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, but also in the context of UN80, we must remain committed in ensuring that the voices of young persons are not only heard, but are reflected in the decisions that shape our shared future,” he noted.
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Source: CNA
