PSR joins the UNODA in New York at First Committee October 25, 2024

UNODA group photo inside the UN headquarters — A remarkable group photo from the United Nations featuring Chair of First Committee Maritza Chan, High Representative for Disarmament Izumi Nakamitsu, the female delegates at the First Committee, and the young women from the #Youth4Disarmament Programme including PSR’s Magritte Gordaneer.

This week, our Nuclear Weapons Abolition Lead Organizer and Policy Coordinator, Magritte Gordaneer, joined the First Committee of the General Assembly at the United Nations in New York as part of the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament. Magritte was named one of fifteen Youth Champions part of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs earlier this year.

At this meeting, she shared the important work that PSR has been doing in contributing to disarmament, victim assistance and advocacy, and nuclear justice. In between attending first committee meetings, Magritte met with Ambassador and Chair of First Committee Maritza Chan, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, among other high level officials at the UN working on youth and disarmament engagement.

PSR's Magritte Gordaneer inside the UN headquarters

Magritte presented on the importance of youth engagement with nuclear abolition in the United States, especially among medical professionals. The other ten youth champions which attended the First Committee were geographically diverse, bringing together perspectives largely from the global majority. Magritte shared the work of PSR to bring young health voices to the table and meaningfully contribute to social and legislative change.