Regional Youth Forum Asia Pacific Session – UN Youth Champions for Disarmament perspectives on regional disarmament
On July 15, 2024, in celebration of World Youth Skills Day, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) hosted the Asia-Pacific segment of the Regional Youth Forum. This event aimed to introduce the Asia-Pacific cohort of the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament (YC4D) and gather insights and recommendations for the Youth Champions to collate and present at the UN General Assembly in October 2024.
YC4D: Empowering Youth in Disarmament
Launched in October 2023 with support from the Government of Germany, the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament Training Programme aims to empower young people to advocate for disarmament in their communities. Out of over 1,000 applicants from 128 countries, 15 exceptional young leaders were selected, 5 of which are from the Asia-Pacific region. These Youth Champions have been participating in online courses and expert-led webinars to learn about disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control, and their connection to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Asia-Pacific Session: A Platform for Youth Voices
The Asia-Pacific session saw 108 registered participants in a dynamic and interactive discussion on key disarmament issues. Moderated by Mr. Boyi Zhang, Junior Project Advisor for Youth and Disarmament at UNRCPD, the forum provided a platform for young people to express their views on regional disarmament priorities. Mr. Zhang emphasized the critical role of youth in disarmament and began the session with ice-breaker questions to foster a comfortable environment and laying the ground for an interactive discussion between the participants and the YC4D.
Young leaders discussing regional disarmament priorities in Asia Pacific session
Opening Remarks and Keynotes
Ms. Radha Day, Chief of the Regional Disarmament, Information and Outreach Branch of UNODA, officially opened the forum, encouraging participants to be bold, focus on regional dynamics, and collaborate on solutions. Mr. Aaron Junhoung Yoo, Deputy Director of UNRCPD, also welcomed participants, setting a regional context for the discussions.
Ms. Radha Day, Chief of the Regional Disarmament, Information and Outreach Branch of UNODA, delivering opening remarks
Youth-Led Discussions and Project Presentations
The first segment, “Constructing Meaningful Youth Projects – Building on Experience,” showcased the design of the UN Youth Champions’ individual projects, which they had been working on as a part of the global Youth Champion for Disarmament Programme. The projects are meant for the Youth Champions to think of ways to engage their local communities and put their knowledge into action. Participants were asked to provide feedback and encouraged to design their own projects for their respective communities. Presentations were given by Youth Champions Mr. Nurullo Rasulov, Ms. Charlotte Yeung, and Ms. Sangeun Noh.
Ms. Charlotte Yeung, UN Youth Champions for Disarmament, presenting her individual project
The forum then shifted focus to regional disarmament priorities from a youth perspective. Ms. Monalisa Hazarika and Dr. Nojus Saad discussed disarmament challenges in their subregions, while Mr. Safayet Zamil Nowshan presented on linking disarmament and human rights.
Ms. Monalisa Hazarika, UN Youth Champions for Disarmament, presented about craft produced weapons in South Asia
Interactive Group Discussions
The final segment involved breakout group discussions, each facilitated by a Youth Champion. Participants discussed in a small-group setting, which allowed more interaction and an opportunity for everyone to speak, on what they saw as important disarmament priorities in their communities. Participants pointed out to issues such as the importance of strengthening disarmament education, how we should make more use of digital platforms to raise awareness among young people, and ways to enhance meaningful youth engagement in the field of disarmament.
Conclusion and Future Opportunities
After returning to the plenary session and sharing the result of the discussions that took place in the break-out rooms, Mr. Boyi Zhang concluded the session by encouraging continued engagement in disarmament issues and introducing upcoming opportunities such as the N.O.N.E. Campaign and the Disarmament Education Dashboard.
Mr. Boyi Zhang, Junior Project Advisor for Youth and Disarmament at UNRCPD, introduced upcoming opportunities for youth engagement
The Regional Youth Forum Asia-Pacific session concluded successfully and built a network of young people interested in disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation issues. UNRCPD will continue to organize activities, events and projects to empower young people to voice their opinions and collaborate on regional disarmament issues, paving the way for future youth-led initiatives in the field.
For more information, please contact Mr. Boyi Zhang at boyi.zhang@un.org.