PhD Candidate Involved in Y20 SA 80th UN General Assembly Roundtable

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UKZN Doctoral candidate Mr Luthando Molefe participated in the Youth 20 (Y20) South Africa 80^th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) held at the SA Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, and online.

Convened by the Y20 South Africa, the official youth engagement Group of 20 (G20) South Africa empowers young leaders to shape global policy through dialogue, advocacy and action. The UNGA 80 Roundtable brought together engagement groups, global institutions and civic society to deliberate on matters of critical importance.

The items included reforms to multilateralism and global economic institutions, strengthening intergenerational partnerships for inclusive and sustainable development, aligning G20 engagement with the United Nation’s global development agenda, and amplifying efforts ahead of the G20 Social Summit next month. The Y20 South Africa - UNGA 80 Roundtable was convened under the theme: ‘A Generation for Justice: Youth Leadership in a New Multilateral Era’.

The 80^th session of the United Nations General Assembly - under the theme ‘Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights’ - is the main legislative and policy making body of the United Nations. It is a cornerstone for multilateral engagement and consensus building.

The General Assembly meets to discuss international issues covered by the United Nations Charter such as safeguarding international peace and security, fostering mutual understanding and co-operation through international organisations rooted in equal rights and self-determination, and to achieve international co-operation in solving economic, social, cultural and humanitarian challenges without distinction regarding race, sex, language or religion.

Commenting on his appointment, Molefe said: “Multilateralism has become more critical and relevant than ever before as many countries around the world grapple with various challenges such as peace and security, poverty and hunger, equality and climate change. Therefore, international politics and diplomacy provide a framework for countries to convene and deliberate on pressing issues and how they can be addressed. I am thankful to be among the few selected to contribute their thoughts on this essential and timely forum.”

As part of South Africa’s hosting of various G20 engagement groups, Molefe was earlier this year appointed to serve as a member of the Y20 SA Working Group.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied