Young Ambassador Programme Season 3: Sustainable Peace and Security

Press Release
United Nations, UK and Canada Launch Season 3 of the Young Ambassador Programme: Sustainable Peace and Security

October 28, 2024, UN House, Kuwait City – Under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in the State of Kuwait, in partnership with the British and Canadian Embassies, inaugurated the third season of the Young Ambassador Programme. The launch event was attended by the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs Representative, Minister Plenipotentiary Mohamed Rashid Al-Omairi, whose presence underscored the Ministry's commitment to youth engagement in promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Over its past two seasons, the Programme has provided a platform for secondary school students in Kuwait to develop the knowledge and skills needed to become impactful advocates for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their role in promoting economic, social and environmental progress. Season One focused on gender equality, encouraging students to champion women’s inclusion and empowerment - while - in Season Two, participants honed their climate diplomacy skills. Both seasons were resoundingly successful, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to advocate confidently on some of the most pressing global issues of today.

Under the theme “Sustainable Peace and Security”, aligned with UN SDG 16, this year’s six-month Programme will equip 40 of Kuwait’s best and brightest young minds with core diplomatic and policy advocacy skills, with the goal of nurturing a new generation of leaders who will promoting positive, sustainable change in their local communities and beyond. Each Young Ambassador will be matched with a participating embassy or international organization, who will provide them with weekly mentoring sessions, while also benefiting from various group networking and learning activities throughout the Programme. Participants will learn to promote peaceful coexistence, mitigate conflicts, and foster secure, inclusive societies worldwide, contributing to the UN’s vision of a stable, peaceful, and just global community.

In her address the Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in the State of Kuwait, Mrs. Ghada Eltahir, acknowledged the pivotal support of partner Embassies, particularly the British and Canadian Embassies, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She noted their joint commitment has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward: “Your dedication is not only commendable but vital in advancing our shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous global community, as well as our common belief in placing youth at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” 

Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organisations the Minister Plenipotentiary Mohamed Rashid Al-Omairi said: “We hope that this programme can empower the youth to be advocates for sustainable peace and security and further expose them to the principles of the UN Charter, which calls peaceful settlement of disputes and represent the guiding principles of international relations. The Youth in Kuwait have long played an important part in society. For as much we can teach and share our expertise in our fields, the youth of today can also help us learn, grow, and offer us a new perspective into pressing issues. By providing a platform for students to help their skills in the field, and exposing them to diplomacy, we are sure to gain from their contributions.”

British Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Mrs Belinda Lewis also expressed that: “The British Embassy is delighted to continue to support the Young Ambassador Programme, which is now in its third year. Through this Programme we have seen a number of highly motivated young people grow their confidence and leadership skills and we look forward to maintaining the same energy and passion this year as the group tackles the theme of Sustainable Peace and Security. This is a complex area, covering issues ranging from organized crime and open conflict, to transparent governance and representative decision-making. We look forward to our Young Ambassadors learning about these important topics and offering constructive challenges as they develop and share their insights, ideas and reflections.”

H.E. Aliya Mawani, Canada’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, said: “Canada is proud to once again be collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations, and diplomatic partners, to offer students in Kuwait this truly unique opportunity to learn about diplomacy first-hand from experts and practitioners, develop skills for effective advocacy, and contribute their insights on how to ensure a secure and peaceful world. We are living in complex times and the youth engagement is critical if our global governance and efforts to promote peace and security are to be relevant and fit for purpose. I’ve been so impressed by the previous Young Ambassadors and the passion and dedication that they brought to the programme and to sharing their experience with their communities. I look forward to getting to know this season’s cohort.”

Reflecting on the global challenges facing today’s youth, from enduring conflicts to geopolitical tensions, Mrs. Eltahir emphasized the critical need for sustainable peace, especially in regions suffering from the devastating impacts of conflict. She also highlighted that the programme aligns with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ vision for empowering young people to actively participate in decision-making processes, as part of the Pact for the Future.

“As we witness the talents of these young ambassadors, I am confident they will continue to champion peace and inclusive societies in alignment with SDG 16,” Mrs. Eltahir concluded, congratulating the young ambassadors and partners alike.

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