Motivated by their passion for change, Alaine, Maria, Emmanuel, and Areej are championing the voices of young people in the lead-up to the UN's annual diplomatic summit in New York. Maria Marshall, 15, has been a youth activist for several years and has created short films to raise awareness about climate change and its effects, particularly in her native Barbados.
"I think people believe we could just move to Mars," but "there's only so much we can achieve with money," said the Unicef ambassador before the UN's annual General Assembly week. "We only have planet Earth." Marshall has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of climate change in her country, where beaches vanished after Hurricane Beryl struck in July.
"Imagine if all of Barbados' beaches were eroded like that, it would start to affect the land," she said ahead of the UN gathering. Despite being teased by some peers for wanting to "save the world," she now aims to make her case in influential circles. Her social media videos on recycling clothes and other upcycling tips, which are accessible to the average person, garner hundreds of views.
"The way we can help stop climate change is by working together," she said. Alaine Perdomo, 17, has fought against gender inequality in Belize and supported survivors of sexual violence and gender-based discrimination. "I saw it frequently within my family, friends, and peers," she said. In response, the student-turned-software developer created the app "Safescape," a safe space for assault survivors to share their experiences and seek support.
Following the adoption of the "Pact for the Future" on Sunday, Perdomo believes world leaders "care." "It's crucial to hear diverse perspectives," she said. "The purpose of the United Nations General Assembly is to unite people and bring fresh perspectives." Emmanuel Jidisa, 17, also advocates for giving young people's views more weight.
"Even the longest journeys begin with small steps, often taken by those directly affected by a situation. Young people are best positioned to express their thoughts," he said. Jidisa educates schoolchildren about climate change in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a person living with albinism, he became aware of the sun's dangers when he noticed burns on his skin.
"We shouldn't choose extinction. The world is shrinking... I urge leaders to create a world for young people," he said. Areej Essam, 17, feels empowered by being in New York during the UN gathering to advocate for people in Yemen and for children without a voice.
"If we want a bright future, we must invest in children's education... and peace," she said. "We need to ensure they have a sustainable environment to grow in so they can lead the future." In contrast to the predominantly negative atmosphere at this year's gathering, Perdomo offered a positive perspective.
"You have something remarkable within you that you can bring to the world," she said, encouraging the assembled dignitaries to follow their passions.
