UN Youth Champions for Disarmament begin their journeys as advocates for disarmament!

On 20 February 2024, the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament met for the first-time in a virtual orientation session.  

The Youth Champions brought with them their diverse backgrounds, interests and perspectives and engaged in an interactive and enthusiastic discussion on their motivations for applying for the programme.

Coming together from around the world, several champions expressed their excitement to learn from one another and work together during the programme. 

Reflecting on what disarmament means to them and their communities, the group noted the relevancy of ‘peace,’ ‘cooperation,’ ‘security’ and ‘trust’ among others.

The Youth4Disarmament Team, which works within the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) to support the meaningful engagement of youth in disarmament and to strengthen partnerships with and for young people, also introduced themselves to the group. The team includes three young professionals that will support the regional implementation of the programme across UNODA’s regional centres and offices in Kathmandu, Lima, and Vienna.  

In commemoration of the World Day of Social Justice, Ms. Soo Hyun Kim, Political Affairs Officer and Youth4Disarmament Lead with UNODA, welcomed the group with remarks encouraging the Youth Champions to strive for peace and disarmament with justice, creating a more inclusive, comprehensive, and effective global order that works for everyone based on international law. 

Ms. Kim also shared about the Youth4Disarmament programme, and its objective to engage, educate and empower young people to participate and contribute to disarmament processes. She urged the group to act for positive change in their communities, especially during turbulent times. 

The session marked the first steps of the UN Youth Champions in developing projects, coordinating regional workshops, and organizing Youth Forums to engage their local communities on issues related to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.  

Stay tuned to join the UN Youth Champions for each step of their journey!