AFGHAN YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UNITED NATIONS 2025
Afghan Youth Representative to the UN (AYR-UN) is a year-long program, which was launched by Afghans for Progressive Thinking (APT) in 2018 with the support and partnership of the embassy of the Netherlands in Afghanistan The program, in light of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015), will provide leadership opportunities to one young Afghan every year by enabling him/her to act as an ambassador of peace who can influence policies on the national and global levels. As the representative of the young generation, the youth representative will advocate for youth’s rights and raise their voices and challenges on national and international platforms, and open up opportunities that will pave the way for the future development of Afghanistan’s youth. Since 2018, the UNAMA in Afghanistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have supported this program. By 2019 and 2020, the German embassy in Afghanistan and by 2021, the Norwegian Embassy in Kabul supported the initiative.
Applications will open on February 1, 2025, and are welcome from all eligible Afghan candidates. A selection committee will review the submissions, and shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Those who pass the first round will proceed to interviews, after which three finalists will be selected. The finalists will then deliver speeches on a designated topic and compete against one another. APT, in collaboration with its partners, will impartially select the youth representative based on their performance and depth of understanding of Afghanistan’s issues. The chosen representative will serve as the voice of Afghan youth at the United Nations.
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
