Towards a 2025 UN summit on youth

• Political participation:
  The resolution highlights the low participation of youth in political institutions such as parliaments, political parties, and public administrations. States are urged to collaborate with youth-led organizations to foster meaningful participation in decision-making across political, economic, social, and cultural spheres, especially in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Combatting discrimination:
  Member states are called to eliminate all forms of discrimination against youth, including those based on age, gender, race, disability, and other statuses.
• Freedom of expression and digital rights:
  Governments are encouraged to ensure a safe environment for youth participation, protecting their rights to freedom of opinion, peaceful assembly, and expression. Particular attention is given to safeguarding these rights in the digital space and equipping youth with digital literacy skills to navigate online environments safely.

Emerging objectives and priorities

The resolution also emphasizes several recent and pressing objectives:

Harnessing Technology:

• Recognizing the potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, the resolution encourages states to ensure young people can safely access and benefit from digital tools while protecting them from online threats.
• Human rights education:
  States and stakeholders are urged to develop human rights education initiatives tailored to youth, aligned with the World Programme for Human Rights Education.
• Gender equality and empowerment:
  The resolution calls on states to combat gender stereotypes and violence against girls and young women, both online and offline. It underscores the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality.
• Inclusion of disadvantaged youth:
  Special attention is given to young persons with disabilities, advocating for their equal access to employment, education, and inclusive infrastructure. The resolution emphasizes their active participation in public and private life.

Coordinated youth policies and monitoring

In a novel provision, the resolution encourages states to develop integrated, participatory youth policies through consultations with youth and relevant stakeholders. These policies should align with the World Programme of Action for Youth and the 2030 Agenda, with a commitment to regular evaluation.

Role of international mechanisms and collaboration

• Human rights monitoring:
  States are encouraged to address youth rights through the Universal Periodic Review and treaty bodies, sharing best practices in this area.
• UN collaboration:
  The resolution highlights the importance of cooperation between UN bodies, particularly the Human Rights Council, and the UN Youth Office to ensure the effective implementation of the United Nations Youth Strategy.

Future initiatives and studies

• Biennial Panel Discussion:
  The next panel discussion at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council will focus on youth's role in fostering peaceful societies and advancing human rights. The Office of the High Commissioner will prepare a summary report based on consultations with youth organizations.
• Mental health study:
  The resolution requests a comprehensive study on the impact of mental health challenges on young people's enjoyment of human rights, to be presented at the Council's 63rd session.

Looking Ahead

The resolution concludes with a decision to keep the agenda item "Youth and Human Rights" under continuous review. Meanwhile, the preparation of the diplomatic and organizational groundwork for the 2025 UN Summit on Youth will demand substantial efforts on all continents.