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Putting youth in leadership positions always “pays off”, says UN envoy

Putting youth in leadership positions always “pays off”, says UN envoy

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Young people are still seen as a “problem and liability” in some parts of the world, and yet the UN has shown that putting them in leadership positions always “pays off”.

That’s according to the outgoing UN Youth Envoy, Ahmad Alhendawi, who was also the youngest person in UN history to serve at such a senior level.

He recalled how, at the time, some were sceptical of his abilities while others found him “too young to lead”.

Speaking to Basma Baghall ahead of the annual Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, he called for a greater inclusion of young people in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Duration: 5’30”

Photo Credit
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas