A New Youth Generation: Largest in History & a Decisive Force By Bisma Qamar Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved.

A New Youth Generation: Largest in History & a Decisive Force By Bisma Qamar https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/05/a-new-youth-generation-largest-in-history-a-decisive-force/ At a time of accelerating global crises and transformation, the question is no longer whether young people should be at the table, but how power is being shared with them. With more than 2.6 billion people aged 15–35 worldwide, this generation is not only the largest in history, but a decisive force in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future, according to the United Nations Youth participation must move beyond visibility toward real influence and shared responsibility-UN Secretary-General António Guterres Dr. Felipe Paullier of Uruguay assumed his mandate as the first-ever Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs in December 2023 at the age of 32. He is the youngest senior appointment in the history of the United Nations, and the youngest serving member of the Secretary-General’s senior management group. UNITED NATIONS, May 28 2026 (IPS) - In this exclusive interview, Dr. Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and Head of the United Nations Youth Office shares his leadership approach, insights on youth engagement, and his vision for driving institutional change from the grassroot level — redefining what is possible and proving that age is just a number. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved.