Afghan Youth Representative to the United Nations 2025
The Afghan Youth Representative to the UN (AYR-UN) is a year-long program launched by Afghans for Progressive Thinking (APT) in 2018, with the support and partnership of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Afghanistan. In line with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2250 (2015), the program provides leadership opportunities to one young Afghan each year, empowering them to serve as a representative of young Afghan men and women, influencing policies at both national and global levels. The representative will advocate for youth rights, particularly women’s rights, amplify the voices of young people, highlight their challenges on both national and international platforms, and create opportunities that contribute to Afghanistan’s future development. In 2019 and 2020, the German Embassy in Afghanistan supported the initiative, and in 2021, the Norwegian Embassy in Kabul provided its support. Additionally, during the during the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (pre-August 2021), the project, received strong backing from UNAMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 2025 Afghan Youth Representative Program is co-sponsored by the Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (CSPPS) and is funded under the Just Future Program.
The application process for the 2025 Afghan Youth Representative Program will open on February 11, 2025, and all eligible Afghan candidates residing outside Afghanistan are encouraged to apply. A selection committee will review applications, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Those who pass the initial screening will proceed to interviews, after which three finalists will be selected. The finalists will deliver speeches on a designated topic and compete against one another. APT, in collaboration with its partners, will impartially select the Afghan Youth Representative based on their performance, leadership potential, and depth of understanding of Afghanistan’s key issues. The selected representative will serve as the official voice of Afghan youth at the United Nations in 2025.
Who were the previous Afghan Youth Representatives
to the United Nations?
Ahmad Fawad Shahanyar
Ahmad Fawad Shahanyar
In 2021, Ahmad Fawad Shahanyar became the Afghan Youth Representative to the UN, advocating for peace and youth voices globally.
Shkula Zadran
Shkula Zadran
In 2020, Shkula Zadran represented Afghan youth at the UN, urging an end to war and voicing their buried dreams.
Aisha Khurram
Aisha Khurram
In 2019, Aisha Khurram became Afghanistan’s youth representative to the UN, delivering a powerful speech at the Security Council.
Ramiz Bakhtiar
Ramiz Bakhtiar
In 2018, Ramiz Bakhtiar became Afghanistan’s first youth representative to the UN, addressing the Security Council and gaining international attention.
Messages
“Young people in my country need more of these opportunities as providing such platforms and opportunities can build a community of young visionaries and responsible leaders. I strongly believe that the only way to elevate the efficiency of our political system is to train the younger generation of Afghanistan with practical experiences, encourage them to voice their opinions, embrace diversity and work for humanity. This wouldn’t be possible without APT and the German embassy that strives to provide exceptional and priceless experiences for a lifetime. Today, dead hopes are revived, dreams are realized and hidden talents are showcased to the world. Indeed, these are the first steps towards a generational change!”
AISHA KHURRAM
