Malaysian youth firmly believes that youth participation must be more than symbolic. It must be structured, institutionalised, and meaningful.
Since 1972, Malaysia has pioneered the National Youth Consultative Council a platform that ensures youth voices are not only heard, but translated into policy action. This council operates through a three-tier system: beginning at the district level, progressing to the state level, and culminating at the national level. Importantly, motions passed at the national level are formally tabled at the Cabinet of Ministers, ensuring that young people’s aspirations inform the highest levels of decision-making.
In addition, Malaysia established the Youth Parliament, providing a complementary mechanism for young leaders to debate, deliberate, and propose policies in a setting that mirrors our national legislature. These institutions have been instrumental in nurturing a new generation of leaders—well-versed in democracy, policymaking, and constructive dialogue.
Yet, while Malaysian youth and all of us enjoy these platforms, we cannot remain silent about our peers in Gaza. Their schools, hospitals, and civic spaces fundamental to youth participation have been devastated by a genocide. The World Programme of Action for Youth reminds us that participation, education, health, and protection are universal rights, not privileges. But in Gaza, youth are denied even the basic conditions to engage in shaping their future.
Malaysia’s experience shows how youth councils and youth parliaments can turn youth voices into real policy.
True participation must not be symbolic.
It must be FULL with access to decision-making spaces.
It must be EFFECTIVE with influence that matters.
It must be MEANINGFUL with ownership that lasts.
Youth participation is not charity. It is not decoration.
It is a democratic imperative.
It is a strategic necessity.
The choices we make today on our planet, our economy, and our societies will shape the destiny of youth more than anyone else.
In Malaysia, this vision is not aspirational, it is operational. It is rooted in the MADANI framework of sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust. These are not just Malaysian values they are universal values.
And as we strengthen platforms for youth engagement in Malaysia, we also stand in solidarity with young people silenced by conflict. Youth must not only be consulted in peace they must be protected in war.
For the future, in youth we trust.
Thank you.
MOHD IZZAT AFIFI BIN HJ. ABDUL HAMID
President
Malaysian Youth Council (MYC)
AHMAD FARHAN BIN ROSLI
Secretary General
Malaysian Youth Council (MYC)
Date : 26 September 2025
United Nations Headquarters, New York
