I am deeply honored to have served as a youth delegate at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where I had the privilege of engaging with inspiring activists and world leaders. Throughout the summit, we discussed innovative solutions to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and explored strategies to improve global development. Connecting with my fellow youth delegates and exchanging ideas on diplomacy, advocacy, and policy-making was an invaluable experience.

As a women’s rights and climate change activist, I had the opportunity to engage with youth leaders from diverse cultural and governmental backgrounds, learning from their perspectives and sharing best practices. Representing both the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) and the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), I showcased U.S. strategies for advancing women's rights while learning how international counterparts adapt similar approaches within their own societies.

One of the most insightful aspects of the summit was negotiating and collaborating with individuals who held different ideological perspectives. Diplomacy is not about agreement alone; it is about understanding, compromise, and innovation. The diversity of thought among young leaders at the UNGA enriched discussions on the SDG agenda, reinforcing the need for inclusive and well-rounded policymaking. Keeping an open mind is essential to crafting policies that serve all communities rather than favoring one perspective.

Additionally, I participated in high-level meetings with foreign ministers and youth leaders, where we discussed the importance of youth participation in policy-making and the critical need for female representation in diplomacy. Diversifying the field of foreign relations ensures that every community is properly represented, and increasing female leadership in global governance is key to achieving inclusive decision-making. Modernizing politics and diplomacy is essential, as diplomacy should be about serving the public as a whole—not just a select group.

The unification of nations and the strengthening of people-to-people ties are fundamental to fostering peace and prosperity. While diplomatic agreements between world leaders play a role, building relationships among citizens across borders is equally important. Encouraging young people to engage in leadership programs will help cultivate a more progressive and forward-thinking generation of leaders. Normalizing youth involvement in policymaking is crucial because without it, the future will lack the perspectives of those who will inherit it.

Engaging with delegates from diverse backgrounds and differing definitions of human rights was both challenging and enlightening. While I did not always agree with every perspective, I learned the importance of finding common ground in diplomacy. Disagreements should not hinder collaboration and relationship-building—instead, they should serve as opportunities to learn and develop well-informed policies.

I would like to extend my gratitude to MGCY for this incredible opportunity. The future is bright with passionate and dedicated young leaders, and I am committed to continuing this important work to create a more just, inclusive, and prosperous world.