St. Kitts and Nevis’ UN Ambassador Delivers Keynote Address at the “Future We Want: Global Initiative for Young Leaders”

The United Nations General Assembly Hall resonated with the inspiring words of H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams, Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, as she addressed young leaders from across the globe at the “Future We Want: Global Initiative for Young Leaders” conference held in New York City from April 3rd to 6th, 2025. The conference, themed “Empowering Youth to Reinforce Multilateralism: Engaging Youth Leadership in Building a World of Peace,” provided a platform for these future change-makers to engage with global issues and explore their roles in shaping a better world. Ambassador Williams, recognizing the power of youth and the urgency of global challenges, delivered a potent message of empowerment and a call to action, emphasizing the significant impact even small voices can have on the world stage. She highlighted the importance of each individual’s contribution, regardless of their country’s size, drawing a parallel with her own nation, the smallest independent country in the Western Hemisphere, possessing an equal voice and vote within the United Nations.

Ambassador Williams’ address resonated deeply with her background as an educator. She expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to impart knowledge and ignite critical thinking among the youth, emphasizing the transformative potential of education. Drawing attention to her nation’s size, she powerfully demonstrated that even the smallest entities can wield significant influence on the global stage. This served as a powerful metaphor for the potential of each individual, regardless of their background, to contribute meaningfully to global progress. The ambassador’s emphasis on the principle of equality within the UN system, where every nation’s voice holds equal weight, underscored the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in addressing global challenges.

A key focus of the conference was the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 interconnected goals designed to address global challenges ranging from poverty and hunger to climate change and inequality. Ambassador Williams urged each young delegate to select one of the SDGs and become a champion for its realization. With the UN Secretary-General emphasizing the urgency of achieving the SDGs within the next five years, the ambassador’s call to action was timely and impactful. She encouraged the youth to embrace their passions and pursue them relentlessly, emphasizing their vital role in innovating and creating solutions for a sustainable future.

The Future We Want (FWW) program, organized by the Italian Diplomatic Academy and managed by the World Council for Youth and Diplomacy, is a significant global initiative empowering young people through practical engagement with UN diplomacy. Inspired by the 2012 Rio+20 Resolution, “The Future We Want,” the FWWMUN initiative aims to foster a united international community and a more sustainable world through the achievement of the SDGs. The program provides training programs modeled on the United Nations, offering practical experience and equipping participants with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of international relations. By focusing on youth engagement, FWW seeks to harness the energy and innovative potential of young people to drive positive change.

FWWMUN has prioritized ten of the seventeen SDGs as key focus areas, specifically those related to youth and education. This targeted approach underscores the program’s commitment to empowering young people to become agents of change within their communities and beyond. Recognizing the interconnectedness of the SDGs, the program emphasizes the crucial role of education in achieving sustainable development and promoting global citizenship. By equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex global issues, FWWMUN contributes to the creation of a more just and sustainable world.

Ambassador Williams, identifying herself as a lifelong educator, viewed her keynote address as a profound honor and an opportunity to connect with the next generation of leaders. The packed General Assembly hall, filled with eager and innovative young minds, provided a powerful backdrop for her message of empowerment and hope. Her commitment to fostering dialogue and sharing knowledge with young people reflects her belief in their transformative potential. This interaction further underscores the importance of mentorship and intergenerational collaboration in shaping a better future. The ambassador’s dedication to engaging with youth and inspiring them to take an active role in shaping the world demonstrates her enduring commitment to education and its power to drive positive change.