Belize and United Nations Host National Youth Dialogue Ahead of Global Summit

The Government of Belize, in collaboration with the United Nations, hosted a National Youth Dialogue today in anticipation of the upcoming Summit of the Future. The event, supported by multiple government ministries and the UN Country Team, gathered over 100 young Belizeans, including students and members of youth organisations, alongside policymakers and UN representatives.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, highlighted the importance of youth involvement in shaping future global directions. “Our young people are the torchbearers of our future. Their voices and ideas are crucial in shaping the direction of our nation and the global community,” he stated. The dialogue aimed to enhance young people’s understanding of global challenges and involve them in devising solutions, focusing on sustainable development, technology, and the impact on future generations.

UN Resident Coordinator for Belize, Raul Salazar, emphasised that youth engagement is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. “By involving young people in dialogues like this, we are not only ensuring that their voices are heard, but we are also empowering them to be active agents of change,” Salazar noted. The discussions, structured around three key themes from the Pact for the Future, will help inform Belize’s contributions to the global summit in September.

The dialogue included panel discussions with youth representatives from Belize’s major universities and aimed to foster meaningful participation in national and international policy-making. Yannika Dorado, a participant from the University of the West Indies, expressed the collective readiness of the youth to address future challenges. “We are ready to take on the responsibility of working towards the SDGs and to ensure that our future is one of progress, inclusivity, and sustainability,” Dorado said. The event underscores Belize’s commitment to integrating youth perspectives into policy development and global discussions.