This was the recurrent theme of the opening for
the Youth Session where High Level Panel members asked what we would
like to see in the Post-2015 agenda – the framework that will replace
the Millennium Development Goals in 3 years’ time. Nick Hartley, Chief
Executive of Restless Development (a youth led development
organisation), was five times interrupted by young people – myself
included – in his attempt to set out a conventional view of what youth
need from development. My point of order? ‘Young People need to learn
about sex…’
Oh no, Mr Chair, I think you underestimate the situation. My reply started as follows:
“Whilst we do need greater knowledge; more
importantly everybody, young and old, need to recognise, understand, and
have assured, their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Attitudes to sexuality, sexual orientation and reproductive health are
changing and these need to be recognised in the development agenda in
order to halt abuses such as early marriage and relationship violence…”
I went on to highlight the issues of sex
trafficking and the role of abuse by older men (including teachers) in
causing teenage pregnancy, before finishing:
“It’s not just the clinic as a building standing
there, but the provision of a confidential, safe space, where visitors,
regardless of gender, won’t be judged.”
Michelle Alvarez, another WAGGGS representative in
the group, went on to highlight some of these safe spaces provided
within Guiding and Girl Scouting. She talked about a Peer Educating
project in the Philippines funded by the UNFPA and in which she had
taken part. Something similar is gaining momentum in the UK, with the
Ministry of Health supporting a project run by our Peer Educators to
tackle risky teenage behaviours around sex, alcohol and drugs.
I felt the room was receptive to what I, and all
the other young people present, had to say. And the reference of some of
our issues, particularly relating to formal and non-formal education,
in the plenary meeting with all civil society that followed is a sure
sign that notes were taken and a lasting impression made.
On my way out of the building that evening I spoke
to one of the staff members who had facilitated this panel meeting in
London, and they were brimming with enthusiasm for the issues that we
raised earlier in the day. They were also very optimistic that we had
set a standard for youth engagement that should be carried on throughout
the Post-2015 consultations and panel meetings that will culminate in a
report to the Secretary General, Ban-Ki Moon, in May 2013.
So please seize this opportunity for youth to shape
the development agenda through applying to attend panel meetings,
taking part in country consultations, and online at www.theworldwewant2015.org .
After all it is us youth who shall implement and be responsible for the outcomes of these goals.
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