New York, NY – The 19th International Human Rights Summit, hosted by United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International in partnership with leading NGOs and proudly sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, has brought together youth leaders, diplomats, and advocates from over 60 countries to advance human rights education as a foundation for peace– July 24-26.
Since its inception in 2004, the Summit has served as a critical platform for fostering international collaboration, uniting changemakers under a shared vision of justice, dignity, and education. This year’s theme, “Education for Peace,” underscores the transformative power of human rights learning—drawing from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 2024 UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development.
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Day 1 Highlights: Voices of Change
The Summit opened with a powerful address from H.E. Ambassador Mutryce Williams, Permanent Secretary of St. Kitts and Nevis to the UN, who urged delegates:
“To deny people their human rights is to deny them their humanity.”
An idea is often attributed to Nelson Mandela, she encouraged young leaders to “immerse yourselves in the study of the activist and politician” and draw strength from his legacy of courage.
A dynamic panel, “Generation of Change: Youth at the Forefront of Human Rights,” featured:
- Mukta Bain (Bangladesh) and Nfamara Jawneh (Gambia), who highlighted how social media has revolutionized activism. Jawneh shared how Gambian youth mobilized nationwide in 2016 to demand democracy, leading to the historic ousting of long-time President Yahya Jammeh.
Carib News spoke with inspiring young leaders from the Caribbean—Senska Madgscherly O’Donnell (Haiti), Lawanda Samantha Blake (Jamaica), and Andrea Carina Princess Bernard (Trinidad & Tobago).
Each shared their passion for advocacy, education, and systemic change, and some of the incredible non-profit work they are involved in. Stay tuned for exclusive interviews on our Instagram.
One of Day 1’s standout moments was an exclusive interview with Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, Founder of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI). Born under apartheid in South Africa, she turned personal adversity into a lifelong mission, traveling 1.1 million kilometers (669,000 miles) across 90+ nations to advance human rights education.
Her organization’s 30-point booklet, What Are Human Rights?, has become a cornerstone of global advocacy. Watch her full interview on our social media.
Day 2: A Call to Action
The second day began with an empowering address by Dr. Delois Blakely, the Community Mayor of Harlem and Ambassador of Goodwill to Africa, who reminded delegates:
“You are the ones the world has been waiting for.”
Her traditional blessing set the tone for a day of strategy, solidarity, and solutions—as young leaders continue shaping the future of human rights.
In a world grappling with conflict, inequality, and censorship, the Summit stands as a beacon of hope, proving that education and youth leadership are the keys to lasting peace.
