Local Pathways Fellowship at the United Nations General Assembly: A Recap
September 2023 was marked by the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as well as the 11th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD). The UN General Assembly was held in New York, with the High-level Week taking place September 18 - 22, where world leaders gathered to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all. Preceding the High-level Week, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Action Weekend took place at the UN headquarters on September 16-17. This weekend event welcomed youth from all over the world and offered a wide variety of SDG-related discussions led by inspiring diplomats and political leaders and activities that attendees could observe and participate in, and further stressed the importance of international cooperation in accomplishing the SDGs. This year, the UNGA heavily concentrated on the halfway mark to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Global leaders gathered to evaluate international progress that has been accomplished so far, reestablish the importance of the SDGs, and find ways to accelerate the fulfillment of their objectives.
The issue of sustainable development is at the heart of the Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF), which is a global initiative that empowers young leaders from cities worldwide to help their cities in localizing Sustainable Development Goal 11 – making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
In their distinguished roles as the Global Director for Sustainable Development Solutions Network- Youth (SDSN-Youth) and the Project Lead of the Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF), Brighton Kaoma and Nnaemeka Phil Eke-Okocha participated in a wide array of discussions, contributing significantly to the program's resolute dedication to amplifying the voices and viewpoints of young leaders. Their presence and engagement served as a compelling testament to the LPF’s (and overall SDSN-Youth’s) unwavering commitment to ensuring that the insights and perspectives of youth are not only acknowledged but also accorded substantial influence in shaping the trajectory of global affairs and sustainable development.
A Fellow's Insights from UNGA
Among the attendees at the UNGA Sustainable Development Action Weekend and various High-level meetings was David Capelli, a 2023 Local Pathways Fellow. As one of the six Americans in the Local Pathways Fellowship 2023 cohort, Capelli described his experience at the UN as "transformational." He emphasized, "The Local Pathways Fellowship afforded me the opportunity to attend UNGA to build the necessary diplomatic relationships to advance SDG 11 governance and implementation for Mayors and public sector leaders."
Capelli ended his week in New York, providing commentary to the MGCY’s Summit for the Future Youth Preparatory Meeting to ensure funding for youth-led NGOs is included in the Youth Agenda to implement the SDGs in meeting the 2030 goals. He stressed, “The private sector and philanthropy in the United States needs to fund youth-led NGOs at $1.5B USD annually through 2030 to meet the SDG targets in the global goals. Without necessary funding going to youth-led NGOs, the world will continue to stalemate on meeting the 2030 goals. Beyond meeting climate metrics, we have an ethical and moral obligation to empower youth and elevate humanity beyond geopolitical divides.”
This powerful convergence of youth leadership, diplomacy, and advocacy underscores the critical role of young leaders like David in shaping the future and driving progress toward sustainable development goals on a global scale.
LPF at the 11th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD)
The International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD), SDSN’s flagship conference, is the top academic international conference for discussing sustainable development issues and provides a forum for academia, government, civil society, UN agencies, and the private sector to come together to share practical solutions to achieve the SDGs. The 2023 conference took place on September 18 – 20, with its parallel sessions attracting over 300 oral and poster presentations from researchers and development practitioners from across the world, presenting their work on topics ranging from gender equity to climate change to economic development, all focused on solutions to achieve the SDGs.
At the ICSD, the Local Pathways Fellowship presented two papers under the Conference themes of 'Training and Education for the Skillsets of a Sustainable Future' and 'Children and Youth at the SDG Midpoint: Progress, Challenges, and Pathways to Accelerate Inclusive Innovation.' The summaries of both papers are below:
Amer Qawasmi, LPF Project Officer, presenting "Skilling Youth for Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of the Local Pathways Fellowship" at the ICSD, 2023.
This paper addresses the current demand for enhanced and innovative education and training for youth involved in the sustainable development sector amidst the transformations in the labor market. Utilizing empirical data, the study assesses the importance of skills and experiences gained through participation in the Local Pathways Fellowship Program (LPF). The paper concludes by affirming the effectiveness of LPF in assisting young individuals on their journey to make a positive impact on their communities.
Nnaemeka Phil Eke-okocha, LPF Project Lead, presenting "Youth at the Midpoint: An Examination of the Opportunities and Barriers for Youth Empowerment at the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network - Youth’s" at the ICSD 2023.
This paper delves into the global challenge of undervaluing young individuals as significant contributors to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Consequently, they are often sidelined in high-level discussions and official events, particularly within the realm of sustainability. The study specifically examines the strategies, resources, and networks employed by SDSN-Youth's two programs—the Local Pathways Fellowship (LPF) and the SDG Students Program (SSP)—to empower young people in gaining access to opportunities that amplify their voices in these crucial dialogues.
September 2023 was not merely a month of conferences and presentations but a convergence of ideas, advocacy, and transformative experiences. It reinforced the pivotal role of youth in driving progress towards sustainable development goals. As we reflect on the outcomes of these events, it becomes evident that the commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and collaboration will be pivotal in accelerating the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda on a global scale. The Local Pathways Fellowship stands as a beacon of hope, equipping young leaders with the tools to shape a sustainable and equitable future.