21-24 September 2023, New York, The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) participated in the 8th edition of the International Youth Conference. The hybrid event organized by Generation Next Network, in partnership with the UN-Habitat, AFS Intercultural Programs, the Civil Society Unit of the UN Department of Global Communications and other civil society organizations. Hon. Pedro Roque (Portugal), President of PAM 3rd Standing Committee on Dialogue among Civilizations and Human Rights, represented the Assembly.
This year's conference’s main theme was "Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development Goals: From Discussion to Innovation, Inclusion, and Action". It was closely linked with the 2023 SDG Summit. It provided a platform for young people to discuss the progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and explore ways they can contribute to this effort.
In a dialogue with youngsters present in NY, and online, during a panel dedicated to Humanitarian, Peacebuilding, and Peacemaking Efforts to Rebuild Communities, Hon. Roque called on youth to uphold universal shared values and fundamental human rights, and to engage in their communities. He recalled the need to promote international peace, in particular in the Middle East. He mentioned PAM’s support for international initiatives in favor of youth involvement in countering violent extremism in the Sahel. He highlighted the participation of young MPs in international conferences on the fight against Climate Change and on Migration. He also called for youth to support a more equitable representation of both genders in politics and women’s rights.
Finally, Hon. Roque invited students to join the PAM International Research and Study Center, based in San Marino, to gain a hands-on experience of the work of the Assembly in support of international peace and security through the instrument of parliamentary diplomacy. //