AYUDH at United Nations Youth Forum

AYUDH present at United Nations Youth Forum on the 60th Commission on the Status of Women

Ever since the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in New York last September, the world is now focusing its development and strategizing how best to meet these global efforts. Through Amma’s numerous charitable projects, all these global goals are emphasized in varying capacities, with an emphasis on SDG5, gender equality.

Amma continuously stresses the importance of equal distribution of work and recognition of efforts by both men and women in society. In fact, as Amma accepted the Gandhi- King Award for Non-Violence in Geneva she envisions a society in which men and women work in equal partnership, like two wings of a bird, thus helping the world progress. Therefore, when the opportunity for Amma’s Youth for Unity, Diversity and Humanity (AYUDH) arose to serve as delegates at the United Nations Youth Forum on the 60th Commission on the Status of Women, the invitation was welcomed. AYUDH was an integral part in planning and organizing the first-ever forum of its kind, with some members even a part of the declaration team to capture lessons learned and put forth recommendations proposed by delegates. UN Women, World YWCA and UN-Inter Agency Network on Youth Development’s Working Group on Youth and Gender Equality hosted the event.

AYUDH members from India, Denmark, Austria, Germany, Canada and the United States of America participated at the two-day forum in New York City where they developed strategies to integrate youth, in particular young boys and girls, in achieving the SDG agenda. AYUDH collaborated with youth from the around the world to provide recommendations for the declaration representatives of member states, UN entities, and other ECOSOC-accredited NGOs would consider and sign to achieve gender equality globally. Additionally, AYUDH members presented a workshop featuring Amrita University’s AMMACHI Labs’ Women’s Empowerment: Sanitation project and the need for grassroots young women-led cooperatives for sustainable economic and social development.

Equal gender representation and value is continually highlighted in Amma’s teachings and work. Amma gives the following example: Which eye is more important, the left or the right? Both are equally important. It is the same with the status of men and women in society. Both should be aware of their unique responsibilities, or dharma. Men and women have to support one another. Only in this way can we maintain the harmony of the world.

AYUDH members left the forum feeling empowered and continually keeping Amma’s messages in mind. As a result, AYUDH is eager to plan events and projects, which will educate youth on the importance of SDGs while providing its members with a platform to develop the SDG framework with other youth from across the world. AYUDH Europe will host its Youth Summit July 17-24 at M.A. Center Germany while AYUDH Americas’ will be held August 4-7 at M.A. Center Chicago. It is truly empowering that AYUDH has such a visionary leader like Amma, who is able to guide all her children and give them opportunities to soar to new heights.

For more information on AYUDH, Amrita University, AMMACHI Labs, Commission on the Status of Women Youth Forum please consult the following:
http://ayudh.org/ | http://www.ayudh.eu/ | https://www.amrita.edu/ | http://ammachilabs.org/ | http://www.ngocsw.org/