At the ongoing World Urban Forum (WUF12), young leaders are making their voices heard, demanding concrete action to address pressing urban challenges.
Sarah Syed, a Youth Advisory Board member at UN-Habitat, represented the Children and Youth Assembly, emphasizing the importance of cities as living, breathing entities that shape our future.
Syed stressed the urgency of climate action, stating, “Climate change doesn’t wait for hesitation or delay. The quality of our lives depends on the resilience we build, the solidarity we foster, and the dedication we bring to the land that sustains us.”
“We, the youth, are tired of promises that fade,” Syed declared. “We stand here to ask for concrete, dedicated action aligned with a shared vision for a sustainable future. Climate change doesn’t wait for hesitation or delay.”
She emphasized the critical role of resilience, solidarity, and dedication in shaping a sustainable future. “The quality of our lives depends on the resilience we build, the solidarity we foster, and the dedication we bring to the land that sustains us,” she said.
The forum, according to Syed, serves as a beacon for realizing this vision. “Together, we can make a city that is a testament to resilience, flowing like rivers into the future. Let’s make that day and move boldly towards tomorrow,” she concluded.
The young leaders called for a shared vision for a sustainable future, urging policymakers and stakeholders to translate promises into tangible actions. They expressed hope that the forum would serve as a catalyst for real change, allowing their vision of resilient, equitable, and sustainable cities to become a reality.
