27 May 2024
By Lilian N. Mbuthi: Kenyan #WhatGirlsWant Country Focal Point
Picture this: a room buzzing with energy, hearts pounding with anticipation, and minds ignited by passion. This was the scene at the Danish Embassy in Kenya, the day before the beginning of the 2024 United Nations Conference on Civil Society, where I had the honor of delivering a 4-minute pitch addressing the five themes outlined in the current draft of the Pact for the Future. Notably, the Pact for the Future is a document that will guide the United Nations in revitalizing multilateralism and outlining urgent priorities for advancing our collective development. I provided a pitch on chapter 4 focusing on Youth and Future Generations.
As the Country Focal Point for the ATHENA Network, my recent pitch wasn’t just a presentation but a manifestation of the collective vision driving young changemakers. It symbolized a pivotal moment in my role, where I serve as a conduit to amplify AGYW’s core ideals and ensure their representation across various platforms. Firmly anchored in the ethos of our organization, ATHENA Network, my role revolves around championing the rights of adolescent girls and young women, promoting gender equity, and advancing human rights within the context of the global HIV response.
In my capacity, I play a crucial part in translating these ideals into action, particularly within policymaking and advocacy initiatives. Rather than merely advocating, I am committed to ensuring that the voices of every young person, particularly adolescent girls and young women, are heard, valued, and acted upon.
As the torchbearer for ATHENA’s mission, I harness the energy and enthusiasm of every interaction, recognizing that each word spoken has the potential to ignite transformative change. Grounded in feminist principles, my advocacy efforts aim to cultivate a sense of hope, inspire dreams, and chart a course toward a future where the leadership of adolescent girls and young women is not just acknowledged but celebrated as indispensable for creating sustainable and equitable societies.
Below is an overview of the chapters currently reflected in the Pact for the Future and my reflections on them!!
Chapters 1 and 2:
The Symphony of Chapters: A Melody of Change
Chapter 1 focused on sustainable development and financing. It echoed the urgent need for innovation and investment in sexual reproductive health and rights interventions and programming for AGYW to shape a better future. Chapter 2 addressed peace and security, calling for global cooperation to build a world free from conflict and fear.
In Chapter 3:
Transformative Power: The Path To Inclusive Development
We all agreed that employing innovation and securing digital governance has a transformative power and allows for meaningful youth participation. It is undeniable that technology has the power to encourage and facilitate inclusive development.
Chapter 4:
Youth and Future Generations: Where the Youth Roar and Futures Flourish
Chapter 4 was about policies and tapping into the undermined potential of youth, not as recipients of services and programs but as architects of a future brimming with promise. It was about flipping the script, turning “policy beneficiaries” into “policy pioneers,” and inviting youth to occupy a seat at the table of change.
A Symphony of Possibilities
As we listened to each other’s pitches, we were presented with challenges and opportunities. We all agreed that it isn’t enough to dream about change – we must be brave enough to take bold action to achieve it. We need to walk the talk. We need to harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion because that creates opportunities to turn our dreams into reality and our visions into victories.
This is an opportune moment to heed the call of the countless voices demanding change. Let’s dance to the rhythm of possibility, sing the song of solidarity, and march to the beat of progress. Each of us holds a note in the composition of sustainable development, and together, we can create a melody that resonates across borders, transcends barriers, and transforms the world.
My key takeaways :
- Amplifying Adolescent Girls and Young Women’s Voices: I firmly believe in the power of adolescent girls and young women to drive change. It’s crucial to advocate for their meaningful participation in decision-making processes. Championing policies and programs that recognize and support their leadership in HIV, gender equality, and SRHR advocacy is something I am deeply committed to. Their voices must be heard, and their potential must be recognized.
- Youth Empowerment and Leadership: I see the untapped potential of young people as the architects of a promising future. It’s essential to push for policies and programs that empower young people to take on leadership roles in shaping their communities and societies. Recognizing and nurturing their ability to lead and innovate is at the heart of my advocacy efforts.
- Empowering Changemakers and Ensuring Inclusivity: Prioritizing the empowerment of young feminists and valuing their contributions is non-negotiable for me. It is vital to provide opportunities for their growth and emphasize inclusivity and equity in all development efforts. We must ensure everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute to positive change, leaving no one behind.
- Collaboration and Innovation: I believe that collaboration, innovation, and inclusion are the keys to driving sustainable development. By harnessing the power of collective action, we can address pressing global challenges and create lasting change. Working together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.
- Transformative Change: For me, meaningful change requires bold action and unwavering commitment. It’s time to move beyond rhetoric and take tangible actions that turn our dreams into reality and our visions into victories. We must be brave and make the changes we wish to see.
- Solidarity and Progress: Solidarity and collective progress are fundamental to advancing the global agenda for sustainable development. We must work together across borders and barriers to create a better world for all. Together, we can make a significant impact.
Click on the link to listen to the full pitch: https://lnkd.in/dKbgaZh7