The Stream

Can young activists reform an old UN?

As the United Nations selects a new leader, young people demand a seat at the table.

As the United Nations prepares to select a new leader, young people say they have a few ideas to improve the 70-year-old system. For starters, they want more of a voice in international policy and practice.

With social media and a drive to save the world, they are starting to be heard. This week, at the first-ever televised UN Secretary General debate, one Brazilian student was able to pose a question to the candidates vying for the UN’s top job. But what happens when idealism meets reality? We talk with young activists as well as UN reformers. 

On today’s episode, we speak to:

Claudia Rosett @CRosett
Foreign Policy Fellow, Independent Women’s Forum
pjmedia.com/claudiarosett

Susan Alzner @susanalzner
Head of the UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service in New York (UN-NGLS)
unngls.org

Vivian Onano @vivianonano
Youth Advisor, UN women

Xiutezcatl Martinez @earthguardianz
Indigenous climate activist and Youth Director, Earth Guardians 
earthguardians.org

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