“Item 132: Report of the Secretary-General- United Nations Youth Office»
New York, 2 September 2026
Madame/Mr. President,
Cyprus aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union. Allow me to make the following remarks in my national capacity.
Cyprus welcomes the Secretary-General’s report and expresses full support to the mandate of the Youth Office. We commend the Office, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary-General Dr. Felipe Paullier, for its continued efforts to place young persons at the heart of the work of the United Nations.
Cyprus is pleased to note the progress and milestones described in the report, particularly the consolidation of the Youth Office as a fully operational entity across the Organization’s three pillars; peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.
My delegation applauds that the Office moved into a period of delivery, translating the commitments of the Pact for the Future and the second phase of the Youth Strategy into tangible progress with and for young people. We also welcome the core principles developed pursuant to the Pact for the Future for meaningful, representative, inclusive and safe youth engagement.
However, as the report rightly highlights, we must bridge the persistent gap between participation and meaningful influence, ensuring that youth perspectives are meaningfully reflected in, and can genuinely shape the decisions that affect their lives and futures.
Madame/Mr. President,
The principles of meaningful youth participation are well reflected in Cyprus’ national policies, including in Cyprus’ National Youth Strategy, which provides a comprehensive framework for youth policy, aiming to strengthen the active participation, empowerment and well-being of young persons.
In this regard, Cyprus supports a range of initiatives that translate these objectives into concrete opportunities for young persons.
Allow me to share two concrete examples:
First, is the establishment of “EKFRACY”, a national digital participation platform for young persons aged 18–35, facilitating a direct dialogue between youth and public institutions. Through thematic consultations, surveys and interactive engagement tools, young person can express their views, share proposals and contribute to discussions on public policies affecting their lives.
Second, is the project entitled “House of Youth Representatives”, originating directly from Cypriot youth civil society, namely Cyprus Youth Council and the NGO Cyprus Youth DiplomaCY, a project funded by the Government and supported by Cyprus’ Parliament. This project has a permanent structure, establishing direct pathways for youth perspectives to influence and co-design policy decision-making. Young Cypriots engage in a simulation of parliamentary deliberations on issues directly affecting their generation, and their policy recommendations are subsequently submitted at the highest political level. Since 2016, around 500 young Cypriots have participated in this project, with its 9th edition taking place this October in Nicosia.
Furthermore, Cyprus attaches particular importance to the Youth, Peace and Security agenda. We welcome Security Council resolution 2807 and its call for increased youth participation in peace processes at all levels. Cyprus will continue to positively contribute to the advancement and implementation of the YPS agenda through the Group of Champions of Youth, Peace and Security.
All these efforts stem from our conviction that young persons are not simply preparing to participate in our societies at some point in the future. They are already agents of positive change shaping our societies today.
Madame/ Mr. President,
As we move forward, we must ensure that meaningful youth participation is not just an occasional exercise but a structural practice. Our commitment to leave no one behind must not omit the 2.6 billion young persons, the largest generation of young people in history.
In this regard, Cyprus looks forward to the first-ever United Nations Youth Townhall taking place this December, and we stand ready to participate and support this initiative.
Madame/ Mr. President,
To conclude, Cyprus will continue working to advance an agenda centered on meaningful youth participation, intergenerational dialogue and solidarity.
I thank you.