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Learn MoreWe hosted a roundtable discussion on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, highlighting the role of youth in leading social change.
At the recent annual U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) all 193 member states convened to address critical global issues, including high-level discussions on peace, security, climate change, and youth empowerment. This year’s overarching theme and 42-page agreement titled “Pact for the Future,” set the stage for discussions around revitalizing global governance, promoting equitable access to technology, and ensuring sustainable financing to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A key topic and focus was amplifying youth voices and setting a global standard for meaningful youth participation in setting public policy and decision-making to affect social change.
Building on this theme, Comic Relief US hosted a roundtable during UNGA week, “Future-proofing Social Change: Empowering a New Generation,” at Goals House to discuss the role of youth and youth empowerment in solving social issues. Guests included dynamic leaders from various sectors, including panelists, Rene Jones (Partner & Chief of Social Impact at United Talent Agency), Jacqueline Hernandez (Interim CEO of MediaCo and Founder & CEO of New Majority Ready), and Bahía Gatti (Comic Relief US Youth Advisory Council Member, MIA Candidate, and Fulbright Fellow at Columbia University).
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Moderator and CRUS CEO Alison Moore, opened the conversation with a strong statement: “In our rapidly evolving world, identifying and nurturing the next generation of leaders isn't just beneficial–it’s crucial. Today’s youth are not just our future, they’re catalysts for change right now.”
Through campaigns and initiatives like Kids Relief and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), and our work with youth-focused organizations, Comic Relief US actively supports young people working to create solutions for crucial global challenges. Panelist, Bahía Gatti shared her experiences as part of the YAC and discussed how her participation in its youth-led grantmaking process is driving sustainable change. Rene Jones spoke about leveraging platforms like TikTok to raise young influencers' voices, while Jacqueline Hernández highlighted the importance of including diverse, multicultural youth perspectives in media.
By supporting organizations that empower youth, Comic Relief US and our partners are preparing for the future and shaping it to ensure that young people have the tools, opportunities, and platforms needed to make a meaningful impact for generations to come.
