Young people must be “champions” in ensuring the success of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which promote economic prosperity, social development and environmental protection.

That’s the opinion of Raina Kadavil, a 17 year old American citizen of Indian heritage, who participated in the recent Youth Assembly held at UN Headquarters in New York.

Civic engagement is the theme for this year’s International Youth Day, observed on 12 August, and Ms Kadaril stressed the importance of young people’s involvement in the post-2015 development agenda.

Siobhán Garside asked Ms Kadaril about the UN’s increased emphasis on youth participation.

Duration: 2'17"