Took oath as to uphold the Charter. Promised myself to keep fighting the good fight until equality is ensured for all!
Jayathma Wickramanayake
@jayathmadw
Jayathma Wickramanayake’s posts
I am home!!!! Just arrived in Nigeria 🇳🇬 with the squad
Where’s the Jollof rice??? 🏃🏽♀️
My hearts in pieces seeing the terror attacks on my people in #SriLanka from a far away airport.
Now is a time to be vigilant,peaceful & united. We are a resilient nation. We will get through this.
How much more blood my motherland should shed though, before she deserves peace?
Wearing a Burka/Hijab or not should be the decision of #lka Muslim woman. Not of the others. Such approaches dictating religious minorities only lead to more extremism not less.
Personal opinion. Not UN.
With all that’s happening right now my heart goes back to this perfect piece of writing by
The power of this single story is only the face of suffering of million’s of Syrian people. Will it really be that far, the day we see an end to this suffering?
Are you ready to be a part of the largest youth movement by gen z to fix the world? #littlexlittle
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Young people are saving the world! 

Yes, we face a lot of big problems – but we have the power to fix them #LittlexLittle
I joined this important movement for success
. Are you on board?
bit.ly/SaveTheWorldIn
Every single day of the past six years has been a privilege, learning and an opportunity.
Thank you for being a part of my journey 🙏🏽💕
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Asia’s oldest democracy is being tested.Constitution & Democratic institutions are challenged.Few old men behind closed doors are deciding the country’s fate.
I urge politicians in #SriLanka to respect participatory democracy. Be inclusive & transparent in resolving this crisis!
Dispirited by the recent events in Sri Lanka.
30 years of armed conflict & little have we learnt that violence is not the solution. I call all young people to join hands to defeat extremism and communal violence. Diversity is the beauty of our motherland. Let's protect it 🇱🇰
Arrived in Somalia 🇸🇴 this morning to join the launch of the National Youth Policy! Will be working to mobilize support + resources for the effective implementation of the policy with the Federal & State Governments, UN, International Community, Civil Society and youuuuuth🙌🏽
I was so blessed to celebrate Eid al-adha this year with my Maldivian Sisters and Brothers! Thank you for your warm hospitality and friendship! 🙏🏽
Wrapping up an incredible first mission in solidarity with the youth of Iraq who don't deserve the consequences of a war they didn't create!
Whenever I see a woman get elected to office anywhere in the world- in her own right, on her own merit- I feel chills down my spine.
I grew up thinking that it’s impossible for a woman to be elected unless her husband/father/brother was a prominent politician & most likely dead.
I cannot wait to welcome a new sibling to the Youth Family; African Union’s new Youth Envoy! 🙌🏽👭
Apply here if you are interested:
au.int/en/announcemen
Thank you everyone for all your best wishes and heartiest congratulations. Truly honored and privileged to serve all of you!
Trying to save the world 🌍 while trapped in the world’s largest bureaucracy- yup I’m talking about the - can be stressful😓 So we have Chloe; the UN therapy dog 🐶 who helps us stay sane! I paid her a much needed visit this morning
Who doesn’t need some #puppylove 🐾 ❤️
I feel so helpless & useless when my sisters tell me how scared they are of #SriLankaTerrorAttacks.
One is home as Uni closed, other came back from work due to a bomb threat.
I urge political leaders-not as a UN official but as a helpless sister-to please make our country safe🙏🏽
I am truly overwhelmed by your genuine support. Pls send your messages to youthenvoy@un.org so that I can follow up with you.
Words cannot say how excited all of us are for the young people of Nigeria!!! 🇳🇬
The leadership, strategy & commitment of has been a treat to watch & I am sure all young people globally are as inspired as I am!
The real struggle starts now as we are #NotTooYoungToRun 👫
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Replying to @MBuhari and @NGRPresident
Today, history will be made in Africa as Nigerian President signs constitutional amendment bill reducing the age for running office #NotTooYoungToRun @ibsanusi @Julius_S_Malema @jayathmadw @PaulTArkwright @KateOsamor
Change the world- but also have some fun while you are at it.
Thank you Nigeria 🇳🇬 for giving me a second 🏡 and the positivity, innovation & energy you bring to to this world regardless of the challenges you face!
I will be back o!
Here’s to all the girls who dare to dream bigger than themselves 💪🏽
A part of me will remain in Ghana with the Kayaye girls. Their innocence & love humbled my core and their plight inspired me to fight for the Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights of women more than ever
Some experiences shake you, but they also shape you- to be bigger and better.
This mindset is why jobs like mine exist! Inherently ageist & discriminatory approach to youth activism & leadership;
”Normally Ms.Thunberg would be unqualified to debate in a democratic forum. Since a 16-year-old is not a legally responsible adult..” 🙄
nyti.ms/31gXqda
Press release by the incoming UN Youth Envoy.
Still cannot fathom that I met, spoke to and shared a stage with my favorite author and one of the most badass women in the world!
Somebody please pinch meeeeeee 😍🤩🙈💫🧚🏼♀️
When your boss is so badass, you have no option than be badass yourself and follow her lead!
Honored to serve with and be mentored by one of the most powerful women of our time - Deputy Secretary General of the
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I work alongside @antonioguterres to #LeaveNoOneBehind. We have to deliver on his vision for prevention - a world where peace reigns. As a @UN woman leader, I want to leave the UN well placed to ambitiously deliver on peace, security, rights & development #GlobalGoals
100 years since women could vote in the United States, we finally have a woman of color as Vice President.
That’s elating and depressing at the same time. But one thing we know for sure is that she won’t be the last.
Congratulations to President-elect Biden and VP Harris!
I leave Gambia 🇬🇲 with a heavy heart ❤️ Humbled by the warmth of her people and inspired by the positive energy of the young 💪🏽
We have to work together to win our battles & I assure you UN’s fullest support.
Thank you Gambia- I will be back 🙌🏽
Since #COVID19 I hosted/joined 50+ digital events.
It breaks my heart every time a girl from Yemen or a boy from Nothern Kenya or a indigenous youth from a reservoir in the US drops out in the middle of their speech due to connectivity issues.
This digital world ain’t fair💔
On #IWD2018 I think of all the strong, resilient young women I had the honor of holding hands with. Lets keep breaking glass ceilings, smashing patriarchy, kicking down closed doors & keep rocking the boat until justice is served. Lets not settle for anything less than equality!
Honored to meet HE the President of Sri Lanka . Thank you for your kind wishes and encouragement.
Spent the afternoon with the super fantastic youth of Eastern and Southern Africa. The positive energy 👊🏽 and new ideas 💡 they bring to the is amazing beyond words! 🙌🏽
I know @OlivieradamUNV will be jealous of this photo 😜
Completely unapologetically fan-girled Prime Minister Jacinda Arden today! Isn’t it amazing that young women like us have powerhouses like her to look up to 😍
Meet the incredible team behind every speech I deliver, every event I host, every mission I take. Mad love to this dream team! ❤️
I am so humbled to be featured in the history/her-story books about the 🙈
Thank you and for this inspiring publication and special thanks to Ambassador for sending me a personalized copy! 🙏🏼
Not many people can say that they worked themselves out of a job.
Well… my team and I are not many people. :)
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Today marks a historic moment as the UN General Assembly unanimously adopts Resolution A/76/L85 to establish a new UN Youth Office, integrating the existing work of my office
This is a groundbreaking milestone to advance the @UN’s work with & for youth everywhere 
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A 7th grader on a video call just said:
“I’m sorry for the background noise. I have 2 very loud parents”
#NewNormal
Happy New Year Everyone!
I hope 2020 is the year when people have feedback for me/my work they directly give it to me & not to others🙏🏽
Look forward to growing, learning, delivering to the best of my ability, pushing boundaries, breaking barriers and of course kicking butt!😎💪🏽
Walking the talk- Starting 2020 there will be no unpaid internships in my office.
A baby step to make the UN a just, fair, accessible place for ALL young people. Applications for the first 3 fellowship opportunities are open now!
Apply away and be a part of my badass team 🙌🏽
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Tired of unpaid internships asking 20 years of experience, 2 doctorates and a million dollars savings account?
YES
NO
That’s why @UNYouthEnvoy is partnering with @UNVolunteers to offer you
new paid fellowship opportunities!
Join soon! bit.ly/2SkXkOF
It is not easy to be a young person in the world today. From unemployment to climate change to gender inequality to mental health, there are so many issues that set us back. But you fight for your rights and your communities every day.
Happy #YouthDay to all those unsung heroes!
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It's OUR DAY! 
Happy International #YouthDay 2020!
Today, let’s celebrate young people’s role in addressing global challenges! l feel the power of youth!!!
#31DaysOfYOUth
Sofia, Kessy and I made history yesterday at the Security council. But behind us was the invisible power of fearless young peace builders who risk their lives to bring peace to their communities every single day. This one is for them 🙏🏼
Women were the second in this world to access employment, we were the second to obtain voting rights, but we certainly will not be second to anyone in the fight for shaping the world we want.
Girls progress=Goals’ progress.
Happy #InternationalDayoftheGirlChild
Honored to have met the President of Colombia, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, H.E Juan Manuel Santos Calderón and introduced him on #OYW2017 stage this morning!
Teamed up with Prime Minister of Norway🇳🇴 who is the co-chair of ’s advocates- today in Mexico City to meet & talk with young people on SDG implementation in Mexico🇲🇽 & the role of youth in driving its progress 💪🏽
Inspired🌟🌟🌟
Big big congratulations to my boss 🙌🏽🙌🏽. It is an honor to serve under your leadership at such a crucial time for the United Nations 🙏🏽
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Today @antonioguterres was sworn in for a second term as Secretary-General. Watch him take the oath of office.


Where you come from doesn’t define who you are. Your actions do. Or your words 💁🏽
There’s only one race here 🌍 and that’s the human race!
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Racism, xenophobia & intolerance are problems prevalent in all societies.
But racism stops with you & me: #FightRacism & #StandUp4HumanRights : un.org/en/letsfightra
Trying to do the smallest things hoping it will help my country heal someway.... It hurts more not to be home at this time of grief 💔🙏🏽🇱🇰
#EasterAttackLK #EasterAttackSL #SriLankaTerrorAttack #LKA
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As our hearts bleed for #SriLanka
let our generation show the world that there is no space for violence and hatred in our country anymore.
No matter how many times our resilience is tested we will never give up on peace!!
We will get through this. Together as one.
Incredible 2days at the #EYE2018 + YO! Fest with + + 8000 Young Europeans who believe in 🇪🇺values of integration not disintegration, multiculturalism not isolationism, inclusion not exclusion. Leaving France 🇫🇷 with a heart-full of good vibes 💓
I am so honored. So so honored 🙏🏽
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Replying to @unfoundation
As the @UN Secretary-General’s @UNYouthEnvoy, Jayathma Wickramanayake is an example of the power of young people to create change.
Learn how she advocates for the inclusion of youth around the world.
buff.ly/2IrxTYs #UNSheroes
Never thought I will ever be addressing the UN Security Council.
Correction: Never thought I will ever be addressing the UN Security council from my living room, in my PJ bottoms 🤷♀️
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Did you miss my briefing to the UN Security Council this morning?
No worries! @UNWebTV got you covered
bit.ly/2KC24fd
I called for
Flexible & accessible funding for youth-led orgs
Protection for young peacebuilders
Translation of global policy into local action
Friday has become the most inspiring day of the week to look forward to! Every week new cities are joining the #SchoolsStrike4Climate
A generation of young ppl standing up so fearlessly for the future of our planet!
what a movement you have created!
Thank You 🙏🏽
Had the best time today Innovation lab with a bunch of young techies from across the country👩🏾💻👨🏽💻
Super impressed by their solutions for the diary industry🐄, farming techniques🌾, digital marketing📱 & even dating apps💘💓
Met these amazing young women entrepreneurs Disha project today. Inspired by their courage to break socio-economical barriers!
Arrived in The Gambia 🇬🇲 by road 🚗 and ferry ⛴🌊
What a welcome!! 🎭 🥁🎺
Super excited for the next two days. Will be making some noise 📣 on ending FGM and investing in young people 👫. Follow through 👉🏽
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Replying to @UNFPATheGambia
. @UNYouthEnvoy @jayathmadw, just received at the #Gambia - #Senegal Border by the @UN Resident Coordinator in The #Gambia and our Representative @kunleaden, along with a colorful team of young people.
#YouthEnvoyInGambia
#YOUTH2030
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Today I spoke at the opening of the II International Forum on FGM/C in The Gambia
Together we can #EndFGM in the span of one generation so that young people will only learn about this practice in history books in the future #YouthEnvoyinGambia #PutYoungPeopleFirst
Who is ready to break some stereotypes and debunk some myths on #Youth4Peace 🕊on Monday at the Security Council? 🙋🏽♀️🙋🏽♀️🙋🏽♀️🙋🏽♂️
@SophiaPA29
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"Only by listening to and understanding young people can we move beyond a binary understanding of motivations, trends and narratives on Youth, Peace and Security." - @UNYouthEnvoy @jayathmadw
#UNSC Open Debate on #Youth4Peace
23 April
youth4peace.info
At the Ibrahim Thiaw school 📚this morning with
We talked about ending FGM, Child Marriage, early pregnancies and family planning. It is amazing how students 👫 teachers 👨🏫 and parents 👨👩👧👦 openly discuss these issues. They were amazing!
If we are to realistically achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, it is our generation who is going to do this. We are the SDG generation. The rest of the world can try, but they can’t, or won’t, make it without young people☝🏾#Youth72
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Replying to @UNYouthEnvoy
Great summary of @UN_PGA’s #Youth72 Dialogue today
webtv.un.org
news.un.org/en/story/2018/
What’s happening in #srilanka breaks my heart. Our elected officials have sunk to a point so low that democratic institutions & sovereignty of the people are insulted & disrespected over & over again!!
Why do we always have to choose violence over dialogue? Thuggery over respect?
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Watching parliament live on tv today, seeing Karu surrounded by cops & trying to do his job, watching goons paid for by our tax money throw furniture & chilli powder at each other & the cops - for the first time I had tears in my eyes. Shame. Disgrace. No words to describe this.
I leave Somalia with the hope that her young people will bring a future of peace, unity and good governance. is with you & will be with you till the end of that journey 🛣🇸🇴💪🏽
Thanks @SRSGKeating @UNdeClercq for your support 🙏🏼
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"Time and time again, the young people of Somalia have proven to the world that they are resilient, that they have perseverance"
Read about @jayathmadw's mission to
Somalia: bit.ly/2B0sX6g
Today I met with the UNRC & the UN Country Team in #lka followed by a press briefing. Look forward to continued engagement with
Tested my soccer ⚽️ 🥅 skills today during a pick up game with Mathare Girls’ Soccer Team🏃🏽♀️ in Nairobi 🇰🇪
Also got a “Made in Mathare” soccer jersey with my name & No 17 to indicate the #GlobalGoals
What a way to end my first mission to Africa 👌
Moved by the strength, hope & resilience of Iraqi youth despite the dark cloud of war. Honored to be among them today.
The Finnish Parliament has the coolest elevators! Hop in- Hop off 🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♂️
Colleague: Jay, My mom is visiting can I introduce her to you?
Me: YES of course
Colleague’s Mom: Hi! Nice to meet you!
<What I wanted to say>: Hi! Your daughter is very smart & hardworking! U must be very proud of her!
What I said: Thanks for giving birth to your daughter!
GIF
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We are at the @UN Inter-Agency Network on #youthdevelopment happening @SafariPark_H Nairobi with @MaimunahSharif @UNYouthEnvoy #SDGs #Youth4SDGs
Always always always inspiring to learn about exceptional young people who take initiative and lead home-grown solutions. Congratulations #youngleaders. With this, we are 300 steps closer to changing the world 💪🏾
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We are thrilled to welcome the 2018 Class of #YoungLeaders! Learn more about these changemakers fighting for girls' and women's health & rights in their communities: bit.ly/2018ClassofYou
GIF
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Nigerian at heart, Nigerian at everything. Nigerian, because we love our own. 

Ladies and gentlemen, Ms @jayathmadw, UN Secretary General Special Envoy on Youth. @UNYouthEnvoy #Nigeria #PutYoungPeopleFirst #YouthEnvoyInNigeria
I’m so excited for this event!
NO speeches. Elders will LISTEN to young ppl & answer questions.
At the end they will make commitments to advance youth mental health- which we will be holding them accountable to
Are you ready ?
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Join me, @antonioguterres @DrTedros @unicefchief & HM Queen Mathilde of the Belgians @MonarchieBe + young ppl from all over the
for our 9th #CopingWithCOVID Webinar - and find out how to take care of your mental health
Wed, 15 July
9 AM EDT
bit.ly/CwCOVID9
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Its been an honor to join in the field in South Africa to do joint advocacy 👯 to #PutYoungPeopleFirst
Thank you 🙏🏼 for the advice, love, mentorship and unconditional support you most generously give me, and millions of other young people round the world 🌎
Look who I met in Geneva! 😀😀
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Refreshing to catch up with the wonderful @Jayathmadw. Exchanging about life, family, work, @UNYouthEnvoy & @WorldScouting!
Wrapped up the ECOSOC Youth Forum this evening with a super positive note knowing that the 500+ young people👫200+ ministers & officials will keep being engaged to realize our ultimate goal #Youth2030
A Humongous thank you to all supported including those who contributed online💐
Don’t know who else need to hear this, but today it gave me comfort to remember that *together* we survived:
400+ yrs of colonization
30 yrs of armed conflict
Malaria,Polio & other diseases
A Tsunami
Religious fundamentalism
+more
This too shall pass #SriLanka
Happy New Year🙏🏽
Await an exciting news with some amazing countries championing youth! 🙊🙊🙊
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Foreign Minister Timo #Soini meeting with @UN Secretary-General’s @UNYouthEnvoy @jayathmadw Plans are being made for great initiatives on #UNSCR2250 More soon - stay tuned! #youth4peace
My thoughts and prayers are with the strong and resilient people of Iraq and Iran ❤️ We will stand up stronger 💪🏽
Big news!!!! Also super proud to see one of the youngest female ministers in the world, a dear friend and former UN Youth Delegate of Botswana as a member of the High Level Panel 💪🏽
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Digital technology is rapidly changing our lives. The benefits are enormous and so are the challenges. The UN is a unique platform for dialogue in our digital age. I am pleased to announce the creation of a High-Level Panel on #digitalcooperation. bit.ly/2LcLP79
800k ppl die by suicide every yr~1 death every 40 Secs. #mentalhealth shld be a priority for developing countries whr 78% of suicides occur
As we celebrate the International Day of Vesak at the ; let’s think of the core values lord Buddha taught us. Non-violence, compassion & tolerance. The values which can heal our wounded world. Wishing a meaningful vesak to all Bhuddists & non-Buddhists around the world 🙏🏼
Nigerian 🇳🇬 Minister of Foreign Affairs is an ardent advocate for youth 🙌🏽 We count on his support to advance the global youth agenda at the UN 💪🏽
Also glad to learn he was best friends with late Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar - an exceptional son of Sri Lanka
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It was a pleasure to meet the
Foreign Affairs Minister HE @GeoffreyOnyeama and discuss the importance of starting a @UN Youth Delegate Programme in Nigeria
+ channeling youth voices for the Global Compact on Migration
#YouthEnvoyinNigeria #PutYoungPeopleFirst
So glad to be in the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 to join my sister Minister of to launch #HablemosDeTodoRD “Lets talk about everything” platform to break social stigma on Gender, Sexuality, Mental Health, Drug Abuse and many more taboos 👊🏽
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Conversatorio con @Jayathmadw Wickramanayake, enviada especial del Secretario General de Naciones Unidas para la Juventud. #HablemosDeTodoRD
This morning I woke up feeling 27, thankful to all the positive vibes you sent my way in the form of flowers💐 cards📝messages💌 and calls☎️
Heres to an incredible 26 which changed my life and looking forward to another year full of hope, energy and goodness 🥂
Just arrived in Bogota for the summit. Look forward to meeting the exceptional young leaders present and discussing with national youth organizations and UNCT on #UNSCR2250 and young people in the Colombian peace process!
Let us all remember this big win for youth ✌️ and peace 🕊and roll up our sleeves to see this resolution 📃translated into action in our regions, countries 🌏 municipalities 🏢 and towns 🏘
Happy 2nd Birthday #UNSCR2250
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It's 2 years since the @UN adopted #UNSCR2250 - a ground-breaking resolution on Youth, Peace & Security recognizing #Youth4Peace's key role in building & maintaining peace
Stay tuned for updates on what's been happening since then! youth4peace.info #ACTon2550
Jollof rice 🍚 is bae
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Looking forward to joining forces for youth with these two amazing ladies!
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Great seeing @UN DSG @AminaJMohammed & @UNYouthEnvoy Jayathma Wickramanayake @IndiaUNNewYork's celebration
Super duper exciiiiiiiiited 🙃
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Off to Africa for a very important mission! 
Meeting and listening to young people + officials + civil society leaders in Senegal
The Gambia
Ghana
Nigeria
South Africa
Championing investments in youth
#Youth2030 #PutYoungPeopleFirst
The desperately needs a young, innovative, energetic and diverse workforce. Join this webinar and learn more about different ways to join this incredible organization! 🙌🏽
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Tryna set some trends here! 💁🏼
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Our @UNYouthEnvoy, @jayathmadw is not only passionate about #SDGs + empowering youth, she's also setting a new #GlobalGoals fashion trend!
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Jay and the Crew ! Starting the multi-Country, multi-thematic mission of the SG’s Youth Envoy to Africa. . . . Here at an elementary school in downtown Dakar, Senegal
Finland 🇫🇮 is the first country to announce a National Action Plan for 2250. Very happy to be in Finland to kick start this process just 2 days after the Security Council Open Debate! Which country will be next? 🤔
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Finland is the first country to announce further development of National Action Plan on UN resolution 2250 Youth, Peace & Security. UN #ActOn2250 is where Finland has played key role from the very beginning. It's important to listen youth’s ideas & concrete actions.@UNYouthEnvoy
Concluded 2nd mission: speaking at é organized #IndiaASEANYouthSummit wth looking fwd to continued engagement
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Watch @SushmaSwaraj's speech at final session of #IndiaASEANYouthSummit along w/ @UNYouthEnvoy's @jayathmadw here: bit.ly/2w7OqLm


























