– Munkh-Erdene Davaajav (Asia-Pacific SoTF Regional Convening Youth Scholar)

As a Mongolian youth activist, I am passionate about human rights, gender equality, and social justice. My work as a Gender and Social Inclusion Officer with Mongolia’s largest water infrastructure project has only solidified my commitment to these causes.

Additionally, my experiences with regional civil society organizations such as Youth LEAD and ARROW have broadened my perspective, allowing me to see the challenges and opportunities facing young people in the Asia-Pacific region. These experiences have empowered me to advocate for my community and the millions of young people I represent across this vast and diverse region.

Since 2023, I have worked with the Mongolia Water Compact, where I gained firsthand insight into the importance of inclusion in building resilient communities. I learned that climate change, water scarcity, and inequality are not future concerns—they are current realities that demand urgent attention, especially from young people. I aim to contribute to global discussions, bringing a youth-focused perspective to forums like the Summit of the Future, where our voices are essential in addressing global challenges.

My journey into international advocacy began in 2021 when I engaged in a youth dialogue with United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina Mohammed. This experience inspired me to dive deeper into international development, leading me to work on Mongolia’s SDG4 spotlight report in 2022, which focused on the state of education for young people. In 2023, I had the privilege of attending the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, where I joined activists from the Global East and South in advocating for human rights.

Looking ahead, the Summit of the Future 2024 holds immense significance. This Summit offers a platform to address the unique challenges of our region while contributing to shaping the global future. With over 60% of the world’s youth living in the Asia-Pacific, our voices must be heard in discussions about climate change, governance, social justice, and technological advancement. Meaningful youth engagement in these conversations is not just important—it is essential. Our future, and that of the world, depends on it.

The Asia-Pacific is incredibly diverse, both in the challenges it faces and the solutions it offers. As young people from this region, we have clear expectations from the Summit of the Future.

1. Sustainable Development and Financing for Development

Many youth-led organisations working towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) face systemic barriers and challenges when accessing funds. Moreover, youth unemployment and precarious work conditions are pressing issues across the Asia-Pacific. As the future of work is shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, young people expect the summit to prioritise long-term committed financing for SDGs, job creation policies, youth entrepreneurship, and upskilling initiatives that are tailored to the realities of the region’s labour market.

2. Inclusive Global Governance for Peace and Security

Despite being a critical player in the global economy, the Asia-Pacific is often underrepresented in global decision-making. We expect the Summit to address this gap by ensuring that smaller, often marginalised nations in the region have an equal seat at the table, particularly on issues like trade, security, and human rights.

3. Accelerated and Equitable Climate Action  

The Asia-Pacific is on the frontlines of climate change, with rising sea levels, extreme weather, and resource depletion impacting most countries. For young people, especially those from vulnerable regions, climate action is a matter of survival. We expect the Summit of the Future to prioritise climate resilience, sustainable energy transitions, and equitable climate financing for the Asia-Pacific’s developing nations.

4. Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Cooperation 

While few countries lead in technological innovation, the Asia-Pacific also faces a stark digital divide. Millions of young people in rural areas lack access to basic internet and digital literacy. We expect the Summit of the Future to emphasise digital equity, ensuring that every young person in the region, regardless of their location, has access to the opportunities provided by the digital economy.

5. Human Rights and Gender Equality 

The Asia-Pacific’s diversity brings unique challenges in terms of social justice, human rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. In a region marked by authoritarianism, ethnic violence, and religious persecution, young people expect the summit to champion gender equality, freedom of expression, and human rights protections for all, especially marginalised communities.

Why does meaningful youth engagement matter? 

The Asia-Pacific is home to over a billion young people, a demographic that represents not just the future but the present of our region. Meaningful youth engagement is crucial if we are to address the challenges facing our region and harness the potential of its youth. Asia-Pacific youth are leading innovations in everything from start-ups to green technology.

Engaging young people meaningfully allows the Summit to tap into this well of creativity and innovation, shaping the future in a way that is sustainable and equitable. We are bringing the Asia-Pacific Regional Convening Ahead of the Summit of the Future: Young People at the Forefront Call to Action to the Summit of the Future, which reflected the recommendations from young people from indigenous and marginalised communities who often lack a platform to advocate for their rights.

Moreover, in a region facing many challenges such as war and conflicts, engaging young people in governance and peacebuilding ensures that they are part of the solution, promoting long-term peace and stability in a region marked by both opportunities and tensions.

For young people in the Asia-Pacific, the Summit of the Future presents a critical opportunity to shape not only the global future but also the future of our region. Our demands are clear: climate justice, inclusive governance, technological equity, social justice, and economic opportunity. These are not just global issues, they are deeply personal to the lives of young people across the Asia-Pacific. The future is ours to shape, and we are ready to lead. It is time for the world to listen!