Gen Z Spotlight: Global youth advocate shares how you can make a difference in the world
Alexa Dominique Pascual on her journey to becoming a UN youth delegate and women's rights activist, and her keys to success.
Zivvy is committed to highlighting the work of young changemakers who are tackling key issues and making a difference in their communities and beyond. With a focus on amplifying fresh, diverse perspectives, Zivvy aims to empower the next generation to lead the way.
Alexa Dominique Pascual is a youth delegate at the World Bank, NATO Youth Summit, UN High-Level Political Forum, and UN General Assembly. She is a graduate student at American University majoring in International Affairs.
My journey as a global youth advocate and how you can get involved in diplomacy
By Alexa Dominique Pascual
I specialize in women’s rights, national security, and preventing misinformation. My priorities are advancing the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda, preventing gender-based violence, and promoting female leadership in diplomacy.
My journey into global advocacy began with a deep sense of responsibility toward my community and a desire to give voice to those often left unheard. As a young woman of color, I grew up acutely aware of the gaps in representation, especially in spaces like diplomacy and foreign policy. From an early age, I knew that I wanted to change that.
Youth advocacy is having a moment
Civil society organizations and youth delegates worldwide have worked to improve youth participation in diplomacy. Several groups like the Major Group for Children and Youth, DMUN Foundation, and UNA-USA provide young people with the chance to make a global impact.
Hard work + networking = opportunity
I became involved with these organizations that give youth an opportunity to make a difference in the world, and reached where I am today by consistently attending events to build my network, which led to the opportunity to represent youth at the United Nations.
My advocacy work began with volunteer roles at the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) and the Hallmark International Youth Club. Growing up, I was always active in community service, but it was my role with Hallmark that opened doors for me on a global scale. Shortly after joining, I was selected as a delegate for the World Bank Youth Summit, where I represented women’s empowerment and advocated against gender-based violence.
Fighting for women’s rights around the world
During the summit, I connected with young advocates from Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, and Afghanistan—nations where conflict severely restricts women’s rights, with many women unable to attend school or work. These stories, particularly those from regions ravaged by war, hit close to home and fueled my commitment to women's rights advocacy. I also engaged with IMF and World Bank officials, emphasizing the need for more programs and funding to support women during crises.
At the local level, I’ve participated in UNA-USA leadership summits in Capitol Hill, advocating for reproductive health, preventing domestic violence, and promoting female leadership in politics. I’ve also stressed the need to implement resources in rural states to educate communities on the importance of women's empowerment.
One opportunity leads to another
In 2023, I was invited to speak at the NATO Youth Summit, where I participated in a panel discussion on women’s rights and peace and security with former government officials. This exposure opened even more opportunities, and I was invited to join the Major Group for Children and Youth, which granted me access to the UN High-Level Political Forum and General Assembly. Networking at these events allowed me to contribute to key policy discussions and interventions. As part of my work, I’ve discussed human rights challenges in Hungary, Ukraine, Belarus, and Eastern Europe, where women’s rights and press freedoms are increasingly under threat.
Giving a voice to young women of color
Earlier this year, I served again as a youth delegate at the World Bank Youth Summit, representing American University and advocating for women’s rights and the prevention of media disinformation to safeguard our security. My advocacy also me to be selected for the NATO 75th Anniversary Youth Summit after submitting a video on the importance of representation in US foreign policy for women of color. It was a proud moment, knowing that my community—so often underrepresented—now had a voice in such significant international discussions.
Advocating for the future
This past September, I was invited to the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly, nominated by the Diplomat Model United Nations (DMUN) Foundation to represent youth and women’s rights. As DMUN's US representative and women’s rights advisor, I help organize Model UN activities that educate young people about foreign policy careers. We work closely with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the Major Group for Children and Youth, collaborating on policy recommendations, including digital equity and human rights, as part of the “Pact of the Future.” This is the UN’s roadmap to addressing pressing issues like climate change, artificial intelligence, escalating international conflicts and rising inequality. Youth advocacy is also central to the pact.
Young voices and women are still underrepresented in diplomacy
While the Summit of the Future provided a platform for youth to speak on critical global issues, it was disappointing to see limited youth and female participation in key discussions. Despite civil society organizations working tirelessly to shape the "Pact of the Future," young voices were underrepresented. The lack of female delegates from member states underscores that women’s rights remain a global struggle, and my mission as the UNA-USA SDG 5 (Gender Equality) Global Goals Ambassador is to continue mobilizing women and advocating for female representation in male-dominated spaces.
My fellow youth delegates and I will persist in making its vision a reality. We are motivated to lead the next generation and build a better tomorrow, advocating for human rights, digital equity, and peace for all.
Tips for how to get involved in diplomacy and make a difference as a youth advocate
To be recruited as a youth delegate, make sure you are actually passionate about the causes you are fighting for. Find an NGO that represents that cause, and keep on signing up to be part of youth delegations. There may be a lot of rejections, but keep on applying and never give up.
When you are representing at high level summits, you’ll be in the same space as world leaders. Do your research beforehand, back up your sources with credible articles, and be confident in your knowledge.
It can be really challenging to be part of these delegations, but always remember that youth voices deserve to be heard and your voice is important.
Keep going and always believe in yourself.
You can follow Alexa’s journeys in diplomacy on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and X. If you are a Gen Z changemaker or would like to nominate one for us to feature, please email us at info@zivvynews.com