"We had the opportunity to see many aspects of multilateral Geneva and engage with Czech experts," Zuzana Hellerová summarized the programme. "Being involved in the work of the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic in Geneva was very beneficial for us. We are looking forward to capitalizing on the experience during our trip to the United Nations in New York in the Autumn," added Kristýna Bulvasová.

A key part of the programme organized by the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic consisted of meetings with representatives of the United Nations and other organizations. The delegates discussed with representatives of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UNWOMEN) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) about ways how the UN helps achieving gender equality. During a meeting with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, Farida Shaheed, they talked about opportunities for young people to better connect formal and non-formal education activities. The delegates also met with representatives of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) or the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). They learned more about the specific activities of each organization, both in Geneva and in countries. They also had the opportunity to speak with representatives of the Permanent Mission and the Permanent Representative Václav Bálek.

During a Human Rights Council’s interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur Farida Shaheed the delegates took floor and presented their own statement. They stressed the importance of non-formal education in addressing current challenges such as climate change or digitalization.

The Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic has been working together with Czech Republic’s Youth Delegates to the UN for several years. More information about this programme can be found at https://mladiosn.cz/eng/.