A/HRC/43/63 H. Conversation on the way forward with the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights 57. The last session was a conversation between the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Kate Gilmore, and youth representatives Ms. Monteith and Ms. Ibiwoye. In opening, the Deputy High Commissioner emphasized investment in education and allocation of adequate funding to ensure quality, inclusive education for all. She questioned how young people could be old enough to have children and drive, yet not old enough to access comprehensive sexual education or vote. She emphasized the importance of greater involvement of young people in different processes. She emphasized that the onus was not on children and youth, but on the “educated non-young” to pave the way for young people and leave them space to participate. She also referenced reprisals and criticisms against youth advocates. 58. The Deputy High Commissioner asked Ms. Monteith and Ms. Ibiwoye to reflect on the Social Forum. Both youth representatives reflected that there was a clear message on the transformative power of education, and that the discussions had been enriching and inspiring, allowing different stakeholders to discuss the realization of child and youth rights through education. Youth voices were critical and their experiences tangible, therefore it was critical to have this reflected in the discussions. Ms. Ibiwoye recognized that the world and its systems, including the United Nations, were not perfect and emphasized that we needed to appreciate that everyone was doing their best when working together. Ms. Monteith noted the importance of discussing both positive developments and challenges and barriers. 59. With regard to implementation of the right to education, the youth representatives underlined the need to invest in and prioritize education and to include all stakeholders, including youth, in discussions. Ms. Monteith emphasized the importance of investing in the quality of education and in preparing young people for the future to strengthen understanding and respect for one another, society and the planet. Education was about resilience, humanity and empathy, yet this was often missing when discussing education systems. Ms. Ibiwoye recommended investment in an education that taught diversity, pluralism and lawfulness. Ms. Monteith emphasized that youth were interested in discussing public investment and that strong leaders who cared about education were needed for a change in public education spending. Ms. Ibiwoye recommended a focus on the long-term impacts of education and one that inspired youth to act – including how individuals could promote human rights. She emphasized the lack of attention on the exclusions that people faced, including displaced youth, youth with disabilities and youth living with HIV. Ms. Ibiwoye challenged stakeholders to consider how to create an inclusive human rights-centred ecosystem. Ms. Monteith called for a model that focused on the human level. 60. Regarding progress still to be achieved concerning empowerment, the youth representatives reflected that more effort was needed in terms of child and youth engagement. It was critical to include them and listen to them. This involved creating a suitable environment for youth to share their experiences and ideas. Ms. Ibiwoye recommended that young people be included in planning events such as the Social Forum in order to make these truly reflective and inclusive. She also called for capacity-building of young people with regard to the United Nations, the way in which it functioned, and opportunities for engagement. Ms. Monteith focused on the need to recognize the time and effort that young people spent participating in these processes and to truly include their voices and perspectives. She underlined the importance of recognizing the needs and vulnerabilities of youth activists and of building the capacity of young people to engage, including through skills and knowledge of processes. Furthermore, youth should be included at the highest decision-making levels of the United Nations. IV. Conclusions and recommendations 61. In her closing remarks, the Chairperson-Rapporteur highlighted the role of education in promoting human rights, peace and understanding, and economic and social development 16