Voices at the UN: The Human Rights Council through the eyes of the UN Youth Delegate

The UN Youth Delegate of Finland, Felicia Vinni, attended the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva in June. The Youth Delegate Programme gives young people a direct channel to contribute to international discussions and promotes meaningful youth participation in decision-making at all levels.

“Attending the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva gave me the opportunity to see how international cooperation works in practice. As Finland’s UN Youth Delegate, I took part in discussions on current human rights issues and met young people, diplomats and experts from many different countries.

During the session, I delivered two national statements. The first focused on empowering women and girls through sport. The second addressed the right to peaceful assembly and association, focusing on digital surveillance.

When girls don’t have the same opportunities as boys, we limit not only their dreams but also their opportunity to reach their full potential.

Felicia Vinni during her statement at the Panel discussion on the intensification of efforts to empower women and girls in and through sport.

I also co-organized a side event in the margins of the Human Rights Council on Youth, Peace and Security together with the Permanent Mission of Finland in Geneva and the Estonian UN Youth Delegate. We discussed how young people can be meaningfully included in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and decision making.

As a young person, it is easy to feel that the world’s challenges are too big for one individual to influence. During my time at the Human Rights Council, I met people who have spent years working to advance human rights. Talking with them and seeing their work reminded me that change is possible.

Meeting people from different backgrounds and hearing their stories helped me better understand the challenges they face and the solutions they are working towards. The United Nations offers a unique space where people with different experiences and perspectives can come together to listen, learn and find common ground.

In today’s world, dialogue and diplomacy are more important than ever. I believe that dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding are essential for building a more peaceful future. This is why we need the United Nations today and in the future.”