Ms. Hafsah Muheed will represent Sri Lanka as part of the inaugural youth delegation, participating in dialogues on creating an inclusive, sustainable future this fall.

Hafsah, a ‘Women Deliver Young Leader & Wedu Rising Star’ from Sri Lanka, has been selected for the inaugural YOUNGA™ Forum. Organized by BridgingTheGap Ventures, this first-of-its-kind virtual global youth takeover of the United Nations is focused on a central theme for 2020 — ‘the future youth want, the action we need’.

Using VR and XR technologies, YOUNGA will connect 1,500 youth delegates with top-level decision-makers and influencers to co-create solutions to global challenges like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speakers include senior leaders from the World Health Organization, UN Foundation, UNAIDS, The World Bank Group, Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and a variety of celebrity mentors.

“As a youth delegate at YOUNGA2020, the three things we do are discuss, inspire, and co-create solutions to world’s issues”, says Hafsah.

“As a girl, I was told not to aim too high so that I don’t scare people. I have been told as a girl my ideas of equality and accessibility were not practical. I realized if it’s not available to me, I will create it, so I made the decision to work in sustainability giving me exposure to be able to create the needed equity and accessibility for young girls”, she stressed.

Hafsah’s work focuses on gender equality and women’s rights, community outreach and engagement for Sustainable development, diversity and inclusion with a focus on persons with disabilities, mental health advocacy through employee engagement, and youth development through sustainable development education.

YOUNGA youth delegates have the important role to represent the voice of young people— along with their region in key dialogues and interactive sessions. They receive access to a free, bespoke four-week program throughout October including 36 hours of top-notch leadership and advocacy training, with curated career advancement and networking opportunities.

Programming focuses on five thematic tracks that align with youth priorities and UN75 topics: Climate Action and Sustainable Living, Equality and Inclusion, Future of Education and Work, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Peace and Justice.

On October 24, the hopes, concerns and ideas of young people for the future identified by youth delegates will be presented to world leaders through the 2020 YOUNGA online broadcast and a world-first virtual reality event alongside the commemoration of 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

YOUNGA was conceptualized upon the belief that the passion, experience and perspectives young people like Hafsah bring to discussions about global problems proves they are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the leaders of today.

To learn more about how the Forum provides young people with an accessible and inclusive platform to voice their ideas concerning the action needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda, visit youngaforum.com