THE United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) on Tuesday officially launched the UN-EU Youth Advisory Group (YAG) in Jamaica, comprising 15 young leaders who will provide input on development programmes locally and internationally.

The initiative aims to empower young leaders by providing a space for meaningful engagement and input into Jamaica’s UN and EU development programming.

EU Ambassador to Jamaica Dr Erja Askola, speaking during the media launch on Tuesday, noted that the group’s formation underscores a growing recognition that young people are not just beneficiaries of development efforts but essential partners in crafting solutions to global challenges.

“The European Union has long recognised the pivotal role young people play in shaping our global future. Our Youth Action Plan, launched in 2022, embodies this commitment by engaging, empowering and connecting young people worldwide,” she said.She stressed that the partnership with the UN aligns with global frameworks like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Agenda for Youth, Peace, and Security, ensuring that policies are inclusive and rights-based.

“This group will serve as a powerful platform for Jamaican youth to contribute to policy discussions, ensuring that their perspectives inform our collective efforts towards sustainable development and peace.

By integrating youth engagement and advisory roles we harness the creativity and energy of young people, empowering them to co-create solutions and drive meangingful change, thereby enriching our multilateral efforts with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas,” she added.In the meantime, UN resident coordinator Dennis Zulu noted that more than 100 applicants vied for spots in the YAG, with the final 15 selected through a panel including civil society groups and Diaspora representatives.

“We were deeply encouraged by the overwhelming response, with more than 100 applications from dynamic and passionate youth who are eager to shape development outcomes in their communities and beyond.

This underscores the urgency and necessity of creating structured spaces for youth participation in decision-making processes,” he said.

He noted that the group has already begun work, providing feedback on UN development plans and receiving training in human rights and advocacy.

“Under their capacity development portfolio they have been actively engaged in ongoing training in human rights, protection against exploitation and abuse, and other disciplines, courtesy of UN and EU facilitators and platforms. We are equipping these young leaders with knowledge, skills and opportunities that strengthen their ability to contribute meaningfully to development processes,” Zulu added.

At the same time, state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge emphasised Jamaica’s commitment to youth inclusion and urged YAG members to “challenge the status quo and offer fresh, dynamic solutions to the issues facing our global societies”.Said the junior minister: “In Jamaica we firmly believe that you, our young kings and queens, are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, but are integral stakeholders in shaping the policies and initiatives that affect your lives today.”

He praised the UN-EU partnership as a “renewed commitment to intergenerational dialogue and cooperation”, adding that investing in youth means investing in a “brighter, more resilient, and more prosperous future for all”.

Terrelonge also used the opportunity to issue a challenge to the YAG members:“We encourage the Youth Advisory Group, therefore, to seize this opportunity, to drive positive transformation, to truly build it, to lead, inspire and transform.”

YAG General Secretary Dr Jahnoy St Jacques, while giving an overview of the initiative, said the group is built on three main pillars: consultation and advice, capacity building, and connection. He said that members were selected based on their demonstrated leadership, teamwork, communication skills, and involvement in youth-led initiatives, and are expected to remain engaged in broader youth movements while upholding UN and EU principles.“YAG is a big deal. The EU-UN YAG operates with a commitment to professionalism, integrity and mutual respect, and so all members are expected to uphold a code of ethics and conduct that reinforces the credibility of the work and its integrity,” he said.