Statement by Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Acting United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) On International Youth Day
12 August 2026
On International Youth Day, we recognize the hopes and aspirations of young people everywhere. This year's theme - "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," - is a reminder that, despite vastly different circumstances, young people everywhere share the same hopes for dignity, opportunity and a peaceful future. For Palestinian youth, these aspirations remain constrained by occupation, conflict, displacement, violence and profound uncertainty.
In Gaza, young people have borne the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict, including persistent violence, the loss of loved ones, repeated displacement, and the widespread destruction of homes, schools and universities. The collapse of essential services, disruption of education and loss of livelihoods threaten the future of an entire generation. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, youth continue to face escalating violence, expanding settler presence, severe restrictions on movement and access, and shrinking economic opportunities.
Yet, Palestinian youth continue to demonstrate remarkable initiative, creativity and resilience. Across communities, young women and men are supporting their families and communities, creating new ways to learn and work, and using technology and innovation to address the challenges around them. They are not only recipients of support, they are essential partners in humanitarian response, recovery and rebuilding. Their resilience, however, must never become a substitute for their rights.
The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to the youth of Palestine. We will continue to work alongside young people, advocating for their rights and supporting access to education, health, including sexual and reproductive health, decent work, meaningful participation and pathways to economic and social recovery.
To the young people of Palestine: Your aspirations must be at the heart of building a better future. Your voices matter, your rights must be upheld, and your potential must have the space to flourish. You deserve a future defined not by conflict and survival, but by peace, opportunity, and the freedom and opportunity to shape your own lives.
Ramiz Alakbarov
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