The former First Lady of Namibia and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate, Monica Geingos, delivered a compelling plea for youth inclusion in decision-making, emphasizing that age should never be a gauge for effective leadership.
Speaking at the 2026 SDG Moment on 18 September held under the theme “Together, We Can Do It,” Geingos challenged traditional views on political and institutional governance.
During the high-level summit, Geingos joined United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed for a fireside discussion on critical issues surrounding inclusion, leadership, and the ongoing push to achieve the SDGs.
According to a statement released by her Office, the conversation focused heavily on bridging the widening divide between younger generations and current political leaders.
“The discussion highlighted the importance of bringing young people to the table, not only to be heard, but also to help shape decisions, solutions, and the future itself,” her Office stated.
Geingos noted that with the global youth demographic rapidly expanding, world leaders can no longer afford to ignore or marginalize the voices of the youth who will ultimately inherit the consequences of today’s policy choices.
Geingos added that there is a significant gap between leadership and youth. “We need to make space, give up some power and resources, and enable real, serious decision- making.”
She said young people may not always speak in the language of the SDGs. Still, they live the realities they seek to address, from finding employment and accessing healthcare and education to navigating inequality and social and political challenges. “Leadership means knowing when to step forward and when to step back, creating space for the next generation to lead.”
She said the world should listen, make room, and ensure that young people have a meaningful role in shaping the world they will inherit. “Together, We Can Do It.”
