Two Bridgewater-Raritan High School students recently represented youth-led organizations at the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD64), held at United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Senior Ayushmaan Mukherjee attended on behalf of Global Virtual Model United Nations (GVMUN), an international student-led nonprofit that runs Model UN conferences and policy initiatives. Meanwhile, junior Anvay Ajmera represented a global program focused on expanding access to STEM education.
The CSocD64 brings together government delegations, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and youth representatives to discuss global social development priorities, including poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Ayushmaan and Anvay were both present on the opening day of the conference, attending the initial plenary sessions, which were presided over by Khrystyna Havorvyshyn, a UN official who facilitated civil society and youth participation. Opening discussions emphasized coordinated and cross-cutting approaches to social policy, particularly in areas such as education, labor and social protection.
Throughout the conference, Ayushmaan participated in plenary meetings and side events examining how development can be measured beyond traditional economic indicators like GDP. Speakers highlighted alternatives that prioritize well-being, decent work and social cohesion, as well as the importance of integrated social protection systems. Parallel discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between governments, civil society and youth-led organizations to translate global commitments into tangible outcomes.
Anvay also played an active role across multiple days of the conference. On the fifth day, he delivered a formal intervention during a session on ethical and inclusive AI governance, followed by an NGO statement at the main plenary high-level meeting, addressing all stakeholders and member states, emphasizing the need to follow up on written agreements and to make the world digitally active. He secured numerous governmental partnerships to amplify his work and is in the process of finalizing a partnership between the program and numerous ministries across the world.
Both students reflected on the experience, emphasizing that youth participation is crucial for shaping global decision-making, moving beyond mere symbolism to active contributions. For Ayushmaan, being in these rooms proved that with proper access, “young people can contribute meaningfully to discussions on social protection, development, and policy coordination,” validating their role as stakeholders rather than spectators.
Anvay echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to engage directly with challenges in innovation and education, asserting that because “the decisions made here affect the future of millions of young people”.
Participation in CSocD64 highlighted how the United Nations serves as a platform for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through collaboration between governments, civil society and youth.
