Signals from the Grassroots Advocates for Youth Empowerment and Food Security at the 2023 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
During the HLPF, the president of Signals from the Grassroots, Ssenyange Apollo, had the honorable opportunity to address esteemed organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO). His compelling speech echoed the concerns and aspirations of youth, urging global leaders to empower the younger generation as the torchbearers of society.
In his poignant address, Apollo highlighted the urgent issue of hunger and malnutrition, emphasizing that every three minutes, 33 individuals succumb to starvation, with seven of them being innocent children robbed of their future. He underscored the gravity of these statistics and urged the international community to confront the inequities that persist in the world.
Apollo passionately spoke on behalf of young people globally who deeply fear this reality and are rising to the occasion, founding and leading initiatives to combat hunger and food insecurity. He cited examples of Act4Food, a global youth pledge uniting over 160,000 young people, and Signals from the Grassroots, which has reached over 4,000 young people in 54 countries across five continents, raising awareness about the urgent need to reduce food loss and promoting actionable steps.
The address eloquently conveyed the immense potential young people possess to make a difference in the world. Apollo appealed for mentorship, seed funding, and grants to ensure the sustainability of youth-led projects. He implored global organizations and governments, including the United Nations, to offer young people more opportunities for meaningful engagement, beyond mere career development and prestige.
Apollo called for a transformative shift, urging NGOs, governments, and the United Nations to provide young people with more chances to participate in global discussions and decision-making processes. He stressed the importance of allocating national budgets to support young delegations and promote youth input.
Throughout his speech, Apollo's passion and commitment were evident, as he fervently called for action to fuel young people's fire and humanity over luxury. His powerful words resonated with the audience and highlighted the urgency to prioritize youth empowerment and meaningful youth engagement in promoting food security and addressing the world's most pressing challenges.
Signals from the Grassroots remains dedicated to advocating for youth empowerment and driving positive change. The participation of its president at the 2023 HLPF serves as a testament to the initiative's commitment to amplifying youth voices and inspiring impactful action on a global scale. As SIGNAL continues its mission, it envisions a world where young people play an active and pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for all.