Advancing Youth Engagement in Global Security and Mental Health: Michal Tuczapski Meets with UN Leaders to Strengthen Youth Inclusion in Decision-Making
New York, USA – January 2025
Between January 20 and 31, Michal A. Tuczapski, Executive Director of Mental Health Rescuers, engaged in a series of high-level discussions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. These meetings with UN Ambassadors and Senior Officials focused on the intersection of youth, security, and global governance, reaffirming the critical role of young people in shaping international peace and stability.
Advancing Youth in Decision-Making on Security and Human Rights
As an advocate for youth-led engagement in international policymaking, Tuczapski underscored the urgent need for youth to be recognized as essential contributors to global security frameworks. The discussions centered on youth representation in conflict resolution, digital security, mental health in crises, and human rights protection—topics crucial to ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future.
Key High-Level Meetings
During his visit, Tuczapski had the privilege of meeting with H.E. Mr. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, and several distinguished representatives from UN Member States and specialized agencies, including:
H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN & President of ECOSOC
H.E. Mr. Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs
H.E. Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA
H.E. Mr. Cornel Feruță, Permanent Representative of Romania to the UN
H.E. Mr. Filipo Tarakinikini, Permanent Representative of Fiji to the UN
H.E. Ms. Antje Leendertse, Permanent Representative of Germany to the UN
H.E. Ms. Alicia Guadalupe Buenrostro Massieu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the UN
Mr. Mohammed Khalifa H. Alnasr, Deputy Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN
Mr. Michal Miarka, Deputy Permanent Representative of Poland to the UN
Mr. Renaud Savignat, Head of the Human Rights Section, European Union Delegation to the UN
Ms. Elaf A. Al-Omair, Head of the Human Rights Section, Saudi Arabia Mission to the UN
These meetings were instrumental in fostering international cooperation on youth-inclusive security policies, with an emphasis on mental health, digital safety, and human rights protections in conflict-affected areas.
A Commitment to Lasting Impact
The United Nations has increasingly recognized the role of youth in global decision-making, particularly through frameworks like UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security. Tuczapski’s engagements in New York aimed to reinforce this commitment, ensuring that young leaders have direct channels to contribute to policy formulation.
His discussions highlighted Mental Health Rescuers' ongoing initiatives, particularly those addressing mental health challenges among youth in conflict zones. The exchange of ideas during these high-level meetings will help strengthen partnerships, drive advocacy efforts, and influence international policy on youth mental health and security.
Looking Ahead
The outcomes of these meetings will shape future initiatives by Mental Health Rescuers and broader international youth-focused programs. Tuczapski remains committed to ensuring that young people worldwide are active participants in shaping a safer, healthier, and more inclusive world.
Stay tuned for further updates on our efforts to bring youth voices to the forefront of global security and mental health policy.