NEW YORK, USA – September 25, 2025 — H.E. President Hilda C. Heine delivered a statement at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the 30th Anniversary of the World Program of Action for Youth, held under the theme “Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration.” The meeting served as a moment of reflection on three decades of progress while underscoring the urgent need for greater investment in young people as active partners in shaping resilient and sustainable futures.
In her intervention, President Heine reaffirmed the Marshall Islands’ commitment to empowering youth, noting that with nearly 60% of the nation’s population under the age of 25, young Marshallese are already at the forefront as climate advocates, cultural stewards, and community leaders. At the same time, she recognized the serious challenges they face, including unemployment, health risks, and social pressures, which require targeted investment and support.
President Heine highlighted ongoing national initiatives, including the Women and Youth Skills, Empowerment and Resilience Project in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, which provides training, childcare, counseling, and income-generating opportunities. She also noted the Marshall Islands’ leadership as the first Pacific Island Country to hold national consultations under the Pacific Youth Development Framework, ensuring youth voices directly inform policy and implementation.
By participating in this high-level dialogue, President Heine called for stronger global action to ensure youth are meaningfully included in decision-making, supported with adequate resources, and recognized as key drivers of innovation and change. The Republic of the Marshall Islands reaffirmed its commitment to advancing youth empowerment, not only as tomorrow’s leaders but as critical actors shaping today’s solutions.
