The President of the AER Youth Regional Network, Gloria Vitaly, travelled to New York from the 9 – 13 July to participate in the High-level Political Forum on behalf of the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (UN MGCY).

The High-level Political Forum (HLPF) is the central platform for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. It provides for the full and effective participation of all state members of the United Nations and states members of specialised agencies.

The theme for this years HLPF was ‘Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies’ where the progress towards the SDGs was up for review.

The United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth is the UN General Assembly-mandated, official, formal and self-organised space for children and youth (under 30) to contribute to and engage in certain intergovernmental and allied policy process at the UN. Ms Vitaly took part at the Youth Blast arranged by the UN MGCY where members of the platform gathered together prior the HLPF to discuss this years HLPF, SDG´s reviewed and networking.

She also took part in the official program and side-event “Youth Series” arranged by the Bahai International Community and others.

In addition to this, Ms Vitaly represented the UN MGCY at HLPF session during the thematic review in advancing science, technology and innovation for SDGs. Science, technology, and innovation are some of the most important elements to create concrete sustainable actions around the world. Quality education and training in these areas are essential to not only ensure decent jobs for younger people in the future but also to create opportunities and new solutions for a better and more sustainable world.

Throughout the HLPF Ms Vitaly took part in debates and best practice exchanges where she was representing YRN and her county, Oppland, in Norway.

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