In September 2023, IYAFP reaffirmed its dedication to advancing sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice (SRHRJ) by actively engaging in key events during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Alan Jarandilla Nuñez and Imane Lakbachi, two standout members of the IYAFP executive team, not only represented the youth-led organization but also participated in critical discussions, such as the Generation Equality Forum Midpoint Moment and meetings with esteemed partners like the Global Fund for Women.
Understanding UNGA and its Significance
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is composed of all 193 member states. It serves as a forum for Member States to discuss and coordinate international issues, providing a platform for diplomatic dialogue and decision-making. UNGA sessions typically occur annually, with a high-level session in September, attracting heads of state, government officials, and leaders from various sectors.
The importance of UNGA lies in its ability to foster global cooperation, address pressing challenges, and set international agendas. The high-level sessions, such as the one held in September 2023, offered a unique opportunity for world leaders and representatives to engage in discussions on critical issues, share perspectives, and make commitments toward global goals.
Generation Equality Forum and Midpoint Moment
The Generation Equality Forum (GEF), launched in 2021 at the Forum hosted in Mexico City and Paris, is a groundbreaking initiative to boost investment and implementation of gender equality. Spearheaded by UN Women, the Forum set in motion a five-year agenda under a Global Acceleration Plan for gender equality, defining critical actions needed to accelerate progress. It brought together organizations from all corners of society to catalyze progress, push for change, and take bold actions together.
The Midpoint Moment for Generation Equality held at the UN Headquarters in New York City on September 17, 2023, marked a critical juncture in this five-year journey. Convened by UN Women and co-led by the Governments of Iceland and Tanzania, the event aimed to assess, energize, and grow the bold agenda for gender equality acceleration. It provided a unique opportunity to spotlight progress and accountability, showcase high-impact initiatives, and reinforce commitments for gender equality. The Midpoint Moment also called for enhanced commitments to gender equality and sought to amplify and energize global efforts towards gender-responsive sustainable development.
Imane and Alan played pivotal roles in the Generation Equality Forum Midpoint Moment, emphasizing IYAFP’s dedication to achieving the goals outlined in this important event, and reaffirming the GEF commitments made by IYAFP. The team actively contributed to discussions on youth empowerment, gender equality, and the urgent need for sustained efforts to ensure progress in achieving the ambitious targets outlined at the Generation Equality Forum.
Their engagements centered around amplifying youth voices, calling for inclusive policies, and fostering collaborations that prioritize the unique needs of young people in the pursuit of gender equality and SRHRJ. IYAFP’s team showcased the organization’s role in creating spaces for meaningful dialogue between established leaders and the emerging youth advocates shaping the future.
Feminist Accountability Framework Partners Meeting
Imane and Alan also seized the opportunity to meet with longstanding partners in the Feminist Accountability Framework (FAF) co-design process, including the Global Fund for Women. During these discussions, the team delved into the Feminist Accountability Framework, aligning strategies and priorities to further strengthen the impact of their collaborative efforts.
This framework, a bold and actionable plan, was developed by grassroots feminist and youth organizations from various regions, facilitated by the Global Fund for Women, and seeks to move the Generation Equality Forum from promises to action, complementing the existing accountability framework and ensuring that the reported $40 billion in commitments for advancing gender equality translates into meaningful progress.
Conclusion
IYAFP’s participation in the Generation Equality Forum Midpoint Moment and engagement with the Feminist Accountability Framework exemplify its dedication to advancing gender equality and sexual and reproductive health rights and justice. By actively contributing to global discussions and collaborating with partners, IYAFP reinforces its commitment to advancing meaningful adolescent and youth engagement, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for actionable steps towards a more equitable and just world. As the organization continues its journey, it remains at the forefront of initiatives that drive transformative change for the benefit of all.