LocationsGeneration17 young leaders emphasize the importance of partnerships to use technology for good
Young voices shaping the future
October 1, 2024
From left to right: Zubair Junjunia, Efe Johnson and Yurii Romashko, three Generation17 young leaders who were invited to New York for the Summit of the Future Action Days.
Photo: UNDP
UNDP and Samsung have long shared a commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their partnership, which began in 2019, developed the Samsung Global Goals App and Generation17. The latter is an example of the power of collaboration in driving social change by elevating young leaders’ voices. Recently the partnership was extended until 2030. Ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the Summit of the Future, three Generation17 young leaders spoke about their work and the importance of partnerships in using technology for good.
Empowering young people's voices
At key events like the Mobile World Congress and the ECOSOC Youth Forum, Generation17 leaders share their recommendations for a better and more inclusive future. This September, the opportunity was at the Action Days of the Summit of the Future, particularly at the #YouthLead for the Future and A Digital Future for All days.
Having three Generation17 representatives at the Summit of the Future, confirmed that it’s crucial to continue advocating for youth representation at the same high-level events world leaders are attending to decide on that future.
When Samsung and UNDP created Generation17, the goal was clear; amplify the voices of young advocates who are relentlessly driving the 2030 Agenda and spreading awareness about the Global Goals. Zubair Junjunia, founder of Z-notes, spoke at the #YouthLead day.
“Having shared my Summit of the Future recommendation at the ECOSOC Youth Forum just a few months back, it was a full-circle moment to witness those points come to light. My point of youth empowerment was directly reflected during the dedicated Youth Action Day where we heard from young leaders driving change and communicating their priorities. It was a privilege to share my perspective on this stage,” he said.
Zubair's focus on digital inclusion is vital to the SDGs, particularly the goals of quality education (SDG 4) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). He emphasized that; “the fight against educational inequality is also about fighting the barrier of the digital divide” and that “an inclusive digital world is integral to an inclusive global society".
Zubair Junjunia speaking at the #YouthLead Digital Session on the first day of the Summit of The Future Action Days.
Photo: UNDP
Technology as a tool for peace
Generation 17’s spirit is around harnessing technology to accelerate progress on the SDGs. This is particularly evident in the case of Yurii Romashko from Ukraine and founder of the Institute of Analysis and Advocacy (IAA), who has been working to make public services more accessible through digital solutions and supporting Ukraine’s recovery. For Yurii, the Summit of the Future “was a great opportunity for building partnerships, exchanging experiences, networking, motivation, and strengthening the voice of civil society".
Yurii was selected as a youth representative during the Digital Day. His role was to build a bridge between the youth and the Digital days. “Youth should not speak only among themselves, which means a shift in the paradigm and perception of youth as an integral player involved in policymaking. It is the youth, using technology, who are the game changers today,” he said.
Yurii’s role was more than building a bridge, he’s part of a new paradigm in which young people are working for a peaceful world, one in which youth are not only heard but also part of the decision-making processes.
By leveraging digital innovations, Yurii’s work aligns with the objectives of industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9) and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). His insights at the Summit of the Future and Generation17’s networking event at Samsung’s NYC office highlighted examples in which technology is being used to make public services more convenient and accessible, particularly in challenging contexts like Ukraine. After all, the digital future has already arrived.
Yurii Romashko presenting the key takeaways from the informal SparkBlue consultation on ahead of Summit of the Future, which garnered insights from young leaders around the world.
Photo: UNDP
Bridging the digital divide
In the context of addressing inequalities, Generation17’s leader Efe Johnson has been making significant strides in promoting gender equality in Nigeria. Efe’s work focuses on breaking taboos and talking about the unspoken. Through Xari Africa she’s destigmatizing menstruation and women's health in Nigeria and aims to expand it around Africa. Her first time in New York came with speaking opportunities at Samsung and the UN, and she met UNDP’s Administrator, Achim Steiner. Probably, not the typical travel plan for the first time in New York. “The last few days in New York during the Summit of the Future were riveting! At the networking event, I shared my journey of building XariAfrica and received encouraging feedback that highlighted the impact of my work. Meeting with the UNDP Administrator with other Young Leaders reassured me that youth voices are being heard,” she said.
Efe’s work is advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). She believes technological advances must be more accessible. “Technology can drive holistic development while highlighting the need for inclusion in bridging the digital divide. I advocate for basic computer literacy for primary school girls in rural Nigeria alongside advancements in AI and urged leaders to customize solutions for underserved communities by considering language, gender identities, and unique contexts.”
Her call to action is crucial in bridging the digital divide and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Efe Johnson giving the closing remarks of the #YouthLead Digital Session on the first day of the SoTF Action Days.
Photo: UNDP
A partnership for the future
As the world moves closer to the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, the role of young leaders in driving this agenda is more critical than ever. The renewal of the Samsung partnership until 2030 reflects a commitment to supporting the next generation of changemakers. UNDP brings young leaders to global stages, facilitating their involvement in roundtables, and empowering them by creating a platform and network where their voices are not just heard but actively considered for shaping future actions—actions that are defining our world.
The Generation17 initiative is a shining example of how strategic partnerships can advance the SDGs while empowering young people through technology, speaking opportunities, networking, and more. And this September, the chance to make this possible came with the Summit of the Future and Generation17's networking event at Samsung's office in New York City.
Related
content
content
