Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressed the National High School Model United Nations Conference in New York, expressing her enthusiasm for the event and her hope for the future generation of leaders. She encouraged young delegates to pursue careers in diplomacy and public service.
"You all give me so much hope for the future," she said, noting that these young leaders are already engaged in international dialogue and debate. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of modernizing the United Nations to address contemporary challenges like climate change, artificial intelligence, pandemics, humanitarian crises, and protracted conflicts.
She highlighted the need for more young people with diverse views to participate in decision-making processes. "We need more young people helping make those decisions and bringing new and different ideas to the discussion," she stated.
The ambassador praised a recent UN General Assembly resolution supporting Model UN programs globally. "It took us 50 years to do it," she remarked, emphasizing that many changemakers began as Model UN Delegates.
Thomas-Greenfield urged delegates to engage in meaningful dialogue both within their communities and on a global scale. "More important than living by those values in here is taking them out there," she advised.
In conclusion, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed her belief in the potential of these young leaders. "I cannot wait to see all the extraordinary things that you will do," she said.