HLPF 2022 Side-event "Building Back Better: Institution Building and Youth Engagement in Public Services Delivery in Countries Emerging from Conflicts"

This Side-Event to the HLPF, entitled Building Back Better: Institution Building and Youth Engagement in Public Services Delivery in Countries Emerging from Conflicts will address SDG 4 on quality education, and SDG 5 on gender equality, as well as the principles of effective governance for sustainable development, in particular the principles of leaving no one behind, non-discrimination, participation, and intergenerational equity. The event will discuss the challenges related to institution building and public services delivery in societies emerging from conflicts, which demand different narratives and approaches to address the drivers of fragility and develop innovative strategies to achieve the SDGs.    

The Side-Event will facilitate a discussion on how to empower the younger generation to engage in institution building and public services delivery in fragile communities. In this manner, it will follow up on the discussions about youth ‘taking action’ for a sustainable future in the 2022 ECOSOC Youth Forum. The Side-Event discussions will also address a key commitment in the SG’s Report “Our Common Agenda” to promote meaningful and effective youth engagement. Young people account for more than 70 percent of the population in many developing countries. For example, the median age in Africa today is 19.7 years. It is important to engage this large part of the population in global efforts to achieve intergenerational equity and sustainable development. Young people need to believe that they have a stake in society and a viable future. They also need to see society believe and invest in them.   

The Side-Event will contribute to enhance the discussions of the HLPF by providing a broader and in-depth conversation on institution building and public services delivery in countries emerging from conflicts. The speakers will explore innovative strategies for empowering and engaging the younger generation in rebuilding institutions and contributing to public services delivery in the aftermath of the pandemic. To achieve intergenerational equity young people must be at the forefront of promoting sustainable development, fashioning their own future as true agents of change.    

Concept Note and Agenda

Photos

Contact Information

Ms. Alcinda Manuel Honwana
Principal Inter-Reginal Adviser
UN DESA/DPIDG
Email: alcinda.honwana@un.org