UNICEF Pakistan’s youth advocate Zunaira Qayyum told a high-level forum, “No decision about us should be made without us.” She was the only adolescent speaker at the event attended by the Queen of Sweden, Silvia, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, and Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden.
Zunaira highlighted the importance of children’s participation and spoke up for young people on climate, education, and health, urging leaders to take real action. Her remarks underscored that meaningful youth involvement is essential to effective Youth Climate Action and to shaping policies that affect girls empowerment.
Her presence at the forum sent a strong message to policymakers, including those in Pakistan, that adolescent voices must be integrated into decisions on climate, education, and health. Zunaira called for concrete steps from leaders to ensure young people are heard and their priorities addressed as part of broader Youth Climate Action efforts.
UNICEF Pakistan said the advocacy reinforced the organisation’s commitment to centre children in decision-making and to elevate adolescent perspectives at international forums, strengthening the push for girls empowerment and sustained action on climate and education.
