Guyana urges greater youth role in global peace, decision-making

Guyana has called for greater youth participation in global decision-making, peacebuilding, and other key United Nations (UN) processes, while highlighting the need for increased investment in education, skills, health and employment opportunities for young people.
The position was outlined by Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Trishala Persaud, during Wednesday’s debate on the report of the United Nations Youth Office.

In a statement posted by the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the UN on its social media page, Persaud welcomed the annual debate and commended the work of the Youth Office in advancing its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and the UN Youth Strategy, as well as the implementation of Security Council resolutions on youth, peace and security.
Guyana also welcomed efforts to increase youth participation in major UN processes, including the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and sessions of the Human Rights Council.
Persaud said Guyana encouraged the Youth Office to facilitate greater youth participation in other major international meetings, including disarmament conferences.
She also highlighted the Office’s efforts to strengthen coordination and accountability across the UN system through engagement with UN country teams and targeted outreach to young people.
Guyana further welcomed initiatives, including the Youth Compass on youth mental health and well-being and the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals programme.
Turning to the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda, Persaud recalled that Guyana co-authored, with Sierra Leone, UN Security Council Resolution 2807 (2025), which focused, among other areas, on increasing youth participation and leadership in peace processes, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, recovery, and reconstruction.
“We look forward to its implementation,” Persaud said, stressing that the international community, including the Security Council, must demonstrate confidence in young people as peacebuilders.
She noted that many young people experience conflict first hand, making their involvement important to achieving sustainable and peaceful outcomes.
At the national level, Persaud said Guyana regards its youth population as an asset and a vital partner in national development.
She said the Government has prioritised youth development and participation, with investments directed towards education, skills training, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities.
According to Persaud, young Guyanese are also participating in policymaking and implementation.
She said the Secretary General’s report reflects progress in institutionalising meaningful youth participation but also points to the need for more actionable solutions.
Guyana particularly noted recommendations aimed at reaching young people with limited or no access to opportunities while creating safe and inclusive spaces for their participation in decision-making.
“We must continue to invest in our youth – their education, skills, health and employment – towards unlocking their full potential,” Persaud said.
She reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to working with the UN Youth Office and other stakeholders towards building an inclusive, equitable and sustainable world with young people at the centre.