GUYANA’S Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has called for greater inclusion of young people in policymaking, arguing that their participation is essential to achieving the shared aspirations of youth worldwide.
In a message marking International Youth Day 2026, Rodrigues-Birkett said young people continue to make important contributions towards building a brighter future and should be recognised as active participants in shaping policies that affect their lives.
She said this year’s theme, “Different contexts, common aspirations,” aptly reflects the experiences of young people across different countries and circumstances.
Despite their varied backgrounds, the Ambassador noted that young people share common aspirations, including access to quality education, decent employment, good health and well-being, and reduced inequalities.
Rodrigues-Birkett stressed that governments and policymakers must engage young people as both shapers and contributors to policy development.
“We must continue to engage them as shapers and contributors to policies,” she said, maintaining that meaningful youth participation is necessary to translate their common aspirations into tangible outcomes.
Her message comes as countries around the world mark International Youth Day, which highlights the contributions, challenges and aspirations of young people and promotes greater youth participation in social, economic and political development.
Rodrigues-Birkett extended greetings to young people on International Youth Day 2026 and reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that their voices remain part of discussions on the future.