Jarrett James Lash

This #InternationalYouthDay, I'm excited to make my debut as the new @UNAUSA Youth Observer to the @UN! I'm looking forward to engaging with @UMTownship, @NYUAlumni, @UNYouthAffairs and our youth members across the U.S. on issues that matter most to them 🇺🇳

Over the past year, I’ve traveled the country, met with youth in every corner, and brought their voices to the @un. My term may be ending, but the fight for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world continues. Follow me at @OscarALopeziii to keep up with my work. 🇺🇳

Today & every day, young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, we’re leading change today. Let’s keep lifting each other up, speaking truth to power, & building a fairer, more inclusive, more sustainable future. 🇺🇳

To the youth delegates from around the world I’ve worked with, you’ve shown the power of international collaboration across peace, climate, gender, mental health, humanitarian aid & more. And you’ve given me friendships for life. 🌎🤝

Grateful to former @USGlobalYouth Special Envoy Abby Finkenauer her dedication to ensuring youth voices were part of high-level UN conversations. Your leadership has left a lasting impact on youth engagement.

To @FelipePaullier & the @UNYouthAffairs team , thank you for your vision, leadership & collaboration. You’ve shown what meaningful youth engagement at the UN truly looks like.

Through my national listening tour, I’ve heard directly from youth leading change in their communities. The Youth Priorities Report, capturing these insights for UN leadership, will be published soon by @UNAUSA — stay tuned.

🌍 On this #InternationalYouthDay, I’m reflecting on an incredible year meeting young leaders across the U.S. & around the 🌎. From climate justice to digital equity, food security to mental health — your courage & vision inspire me every day. 🧵👇

Thank you @ConcordiaSummit & @UNICEFUSA for creating space for this vital conversation, and to every person working to eradicate polio and build a better world. 🌍

I still have hope because my generation isn’t giving up. We must double down on funding for humanitarian aid, global health, & the @UN—not pull back—if we want a healthier, more equitable, climate-resilient future.

We explored why women’s leadership, from local vaccine delivery to global policy, is critical to ending polio. And why climate, gender, and health solutions must be addressed together if we’re to finish the job.

I was joined by: • Michael Nyenhuis, President & CEO, @UNICEFUSA • Michele Berg, Deputy General Secretary, @Rotary • Edwige Fortier, Head, Global Health Multilateral Advocacy & Resource Mobilization, @gatesfoundation

Extreme weather disrupts water access, & public health. These challenges feel personal—my own hometown faces them too.

Last fall at the @ConcordiaSummit , I moderated a panel on how polio eradication, climate resilience, and gender equity are deeply connected. We’re close to making polio only the 2nd disease ever eradicated, but the last mile is always the hardest. 🧵

Here’s to making sure every vision written that day becomes more than a dream, it’s a plan we build together.

Part of @ourfutureagenda’s Road to 2100 series, this Town Hall showed that the challenges we face, from inequality to climate change, don’t stop at borders. And neither should our solutions. 🌎

We filled the walls with sticky notes—visions of fair representation, equal opportunity & and equal rights for all. Each note a reminder that change starts with an idea worth fighting for.

The Town Hall brought together young people, community leaders & policymakers to imagine a different future. One where we recognize the power in collaboration across borders.

Growing up on the U.S.–Mexico border taught me these communities are resilient, resourceful & deeply connected. But too often, their full story is missed, when they could be celebrated for their culture, strength, & contributions on both sides.

In the fall, I spoke at a binational town hall that brought together members of the San Diego-Tijuana community. Here’s a thread on what I saw, and why it gives me hope. 🧵