The role of Youth Ambassador SRHR, Gender Equality and Bodily Autonomy was set up by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and CHOICE for Youth & Sexuality in 2015. Through this program, the MoFA and CHOICE, work together to give young people a voice and a platform to advocate for their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and their meaningful and inclusive participation in all areas of decision-making; at the national, regional and international level. This partnership contributes to the development of progressive and inclusive policies for young people and emphasizes the importance of meaningful and inclusive youth participation in the design, development and implementation of sexual health policies. The Youth Ambassador provides an important link, connecting policymakers with the sexual health realities of young people around the world and within the Netherlands.
The Youth Ambassador for SRHR, Gender equality and Bodily Autonomy joined the Dutch delegation to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) in 2015, 2016, 2022 and 2023, and the Commission on the Status of Women in 2021 as a civil society representative. Their position on the delegation gives the Youth Ambassador access to official and informal negotiation spaces which are normally off limits to young people, and put the Youth Ambassador in a unique position to connect and support the international SRHR youth movement during these processes, and help amplify youth voices from around the world. CHOICE sees the Youth Ambassador as an example of a best practice which can be replicated by other governments to ensure young people’s meaningful engagement within national, regional and international spaces and processes.
All young people worldwide should be able to explore, experience and express their sexualities in healthy, pleasurable and safe ways.