Incoming UN Youth Envoy, Jayathma Wickramanayake stated that the voices of young people were of utmost importance in an era where the world is quickly moving to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Jayathma Wickramanayake stated this in her official statement to the media on being appointed as the new UN Youth Envoy.
“As a young woman from a small island in the Indian Ocean, with a developing economy and deeply rooted conservative norms and traditions, armed with nothing but my passion for youth empowerment, it is fair to say that I am here today against all the odds”, she said, expressing her sentiments on the new appointment.
She proceeded to state that she hoped to work towards the goal of making the future more youth-friendly by prioritizing youth rights and ensuring political empowerment, especially of those who are most marginalized and vulnerable.
Jayathma Wickramanayake also extended her thanks to the Secretary-General for vesting her with the prestigious responsibility of Youth Envoy, and to the preceding Youth Envoy for his remarkable service, as well as to her well-wishers, and reaffirmed her commitment towards creating a better world for the youth.
“To achieve this requires a truly global partnership that will ensure the participation of young people worldwide” she added, and stated that the most vulnerable youth must also be included and their issues of participation and conflict prevention addressed.
She proceeded to mention that her background in working with communities from former conflict regions in Sri Lanka would give her the ability to understand such issues.
Jayathma Wickramanayake was appointed as the next Envoy on Youth of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, succeeding the previous Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi of Jordan.
She is presently working as an officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, and will succeed Ahmad Alhendawi of Jordan in addressing the needs and rights of young people, bringing the work of the United Nations closer to them.
She is also the first Sri Lankan to be appointed as the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth.
