Four Ikeys at world forum

In a groundbreaking moment for the University of Cape Town (UCT), four students represented South Africa at this year's United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York, marking the first time in several years that youth formed part of the country's official delegation to this global event.

- NAMHLA MONAKALI

Nico Pampier, Seabelo Mnisi, Zou Rwexwana and Ben Gukelberger participated as members of the United Nations Association of South Africa, UCT Chapter (UNASA-UCT).

Held from Monday 14 to Thursday 24 July, the forum brought together global leaders, academics, civil society, and over 250 youth delegates under the theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, scienceand evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

This year's forum focused on key global development areas, including good health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, life below water, and partnerships for the goals.

The students were part of the conversations, learning directly from global development experts while bringing in perspectives from South Africa and the Global South.