ASEZ WAO Environmental Exhibition at UN High-Level Political Forum [HLPF] 2023

From July 10 to 19, 2023, the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) convened at the UN headquarters in the United States. Organized under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), this annual international event scrutinized the global advancements in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the participation of 39 countries, the forum presented comprehensive reports on their strides toward realizing the 2030 agenda.

Throughout the ten-day forum, auxiliary events took place on the first floor of the UN headquarters. These events featured the involvement of 19 organizations, including ASEZ WAO, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Amidst increasing global attention on young adults’ roles in advancing the SDGs, government officials from multiple countries, including UN representatives, toured the exhibition site. ASEZ WAO curated an environmental exhibition themed “Promoting Young Adults Activities for the Prosperity of the Earth,” showcasing their initiatives to forum participants. Of particular interest were the messages conveyed by young adults through ASEZ WAO projects such as No More GPGP, Green Earth, and Blue Ocean, all aimed at SDG achievement. These discussions also sparked proposals for future cooperation opportunities.

Sameh Kamel, Organizing Partner of the UN Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), expressed his admiration, stating, “I was truly amazed by ASEZ WAO’s impactful work. Their efforts leave me speechless. I hope they continue to make significant contributions to communities and society, and they can count on my unwavering support.” James Yates, CEO of World Animal Federation, also encouraged them, saying, “I hear the voices of young people loud and clear here. Your global initiatives provide hope for a better world.”

International organizations and government officials attending ASEZ WAO’s environmental exhibition were deeply impressed by the unity and initiatives demonstrated by its members across 175 countries. At the auxiliary events, UN reporters who visited ASEZ WAO’s exhibition booth were particularly struck by the proactive stance taken by the young people of ASEZ WAO. While many individuals express concerns about environmental issues, translating this awareness into tangible action can be challenging due to various barriers, including personal discomfort. Following their visit to ASEZ WAO’s booth, UN news highlighted the exhibition on its official website, underscoring ASEZ WAO’s impactful contributions to environmental advocacy.

Bezawit Girma, a member of ASEZ WAO explaining the exhibition at the booth, said, “While communicating with global leaders at this exhibition, I felt that ASEZ WAO has a lot of work to do for humanity and the Earth. We will do our best to bring about positive change.”