In the run-up to the Future Summit, UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is taking a significant step to incorporate the voices of global youth into the dialogue around multilateralism and sustainable development. Recognising the importance of young people's perspectives, UNOPS has created the Youth Engagement Platform, an innovative advisory group designed to drive the organisation's efforts towards the 2030 Agenda.
Introducing the UNOPS Youth Platform: "30 under 30, to reach 2030"
The UNOPS Youth Platform operates under the guiding principle of "30 under 30, to reach 2030". This initiative seeks to harness the energy, creativity and experience of young leaders from around the world to help shape UNOPS' contributions to sustainable development. By promoting collaboration, innovation and strategic orientation, the platform aims to co-create impactful solutions with UNOPS and its partners, advancing the 2030 Agenda for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Objectives and targets
The main objective of the UNOPS Youth Platform is to integrate youth-centred and intergenerational perspectives into the organisation's strategic initiatives. As the world faces increasing challenges, the platform will play a key role in advising UNOPS on new approaches to sustainable development, ensuring that the voices of future generations are at the forefront of global decision-making.
Expected results:
- Shaping the Contributions of UNOPS: The platform will contribute to UNOPS' involvement in the Future Summit by providing youth-centred insights and solutions.
- Inform future strategies: The knowledge gained through this involvement of young people will guide UNOPS in defining future strategic priorities and initiatives.
Composition and Selection
The UNOPS Youth Platform will be made up of 30 young leaders under the age of 30, with a minimum age of 17. These individuals will serve for a term of one year, which may be renewed at the discretion of UNOPS based on the results of the Future Summit.
Selection process:
- Internal representation: Fifteen members will be selected from UNOPS staff, ensuring a diverse representation of intersecting identities, including geographical location, race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity and sexual orientation.
- External representation: Fifteen members will be selected externally, representing a wide range of experience, expertise and geographical locations. While experience in infrastructure, procurement, project management and grant management is advantageous, it is not mandatory. The selection process will prioritise diversity to ensure a broad range of perspectives.
Selected members must demonstrate a passion for sustainable development through diverse experiences, including academic, professional, research, volunteer or community involvement. UNOPS highly values the unique perspectives of individuals from historically underrepresented and marginalised communities.
Roles and responsibilities
The members of the UNOPS Youth Platform will:
- Advise UNOPS: To reflect the perspective of global youth and serve as a resource for UNOPS on sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda.
- Provide information: Offer insights into emerging challenges and opportunities, based on diverse experiences and expertise.
- Collaborate on solutions: Work with UNOPS teams to develop innovative solutions and approaches that support the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Act as ambassadors: Represent UNOPS at external events and commitments, defending sustainable development.
Governance and Support
The platform will be overseen by a UNOPS steering committee, with the support of designated focal points throughout the organisation. The group will meet twice a year, with a face-to-face meeting in May and a virtual meeting in November. The inaugural meeting is scheduled for early September in Copenhagen, ahead of the Future Summit.
