Growing up on the U.S.–Mexico border taught me these communities are resilient, resourceful & deeply connected. But too often, their full story is missed, when they could be celebrated for their culture, strength, & contributions on both sides.

The Town Hall brought together young people, community leaders & policymakers to imagine a different future. One where we recognize the power in collaboration across borders.

We filled the walls with sticky notes—visions of fair representation, equal opportunity & and equal rights for all. Each note a reminder that change starts with an idea worth fighting for.

Part of @ourfutureagenda’s Road to 2100 series, this Town Hall showed that the challenges we face, from inequality to climate change, don’t stop at borders. And neither should our solutions. 🌎

Here’s to making sure every vision written that day becomes more than a dream, it’s a plan we build together.

In the fall, I spoke at a binational town hall that brought together members of the San Diego-Tijuana community. Here’s a thread on what I saw, and why it gives me hope. 🧵

Last fall at the Concordia , I moderated a panel on how polio eradication, climate resilience, and gender equity are deeply connected. We’re close to making polio only the 2nd disease ever eradicated, but the last mile is always the hardest. 🧵

Extreme weather disrupts water access, & public health. These challenges feel personal—my own hometown faces them too.

I was joined by: • Michael Nyenhuis, President & CEO, UNICEF USA • Michele Berg, Deputy General Secretary, Rotary International • Edwige Fortier, Head, Global Health Multilateral Advocacy & Resource Mobilization, Gates Foundation

We explored why women’s leadership, from local vaccine delivery to global policy, is critical to ending polio. And why climate, gender, and health solutions must be addressed together if we’re to finish the job.

I still have hope because my generation isn’t giving up. We must double down on funding for humanitarian aid, global health, & the United Nations—not pull back—if we want a healthier, more equitable, climate-resilient future.

Thank you Concordia & UNICEF USA for creating space for this vital conversation, and to every person working to eradicate polio and build a better world. 🌍

🌍 On this #InternationalYouthDay, I’m reflecting on an incredible year meeting young leaders across the U.S. & around the 🌎. From climate justice to digital equity, food security to mental health — your courage & vision inspire me every day. 🧵👇

Through my national listening tour, I’ve heard directly from youth leading change in their communities. The Youth Priorities Report, capturing these insights for UN leadership, will be published soon by UNA-USA — stay tuned.

To @FelipePaullier & the UN Youth Office team , thank you for your vision, leadership & collaboration. You’ve shown what meaningful youth engagement at the UN truly looks like.

Grateful to former U.S. Global Youth Envoy Special Envoy Abby Finkenauer her dedication to ensuring youth voices were part of high-level UN conversations. Your leadership has left a lasting impact on youth engagement.

To the youth delegates from around the world I’ve worked with, you’ve shown the power of international collaboration across peace, climate, gender, mental health, humanitarian aid & more. And you’ve given me friendships for life. 🌎🤝

Today & every day, young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, we’re leading change today. Let’s keep lifting each other up, speaking truth to power, & building a fairer, more inclusive, more sustainable future. 🇺🇳

Over the past year, I’ve traveled the country, met with youth in every corner, and brought their voices to the @un. My term may be ending, but the fight for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world continues. Follow me at @OscarALopeziii to keep up with my work. 🇺🇳

This #InternationalYouthDay, I'm excited to make my debut as the new UNA-USA Youth Observer to the United Nations! I'm looking forward to engaging with Upper Merion Township, NYU Alumni, UN Youth Office and our youth members across the U.S. on issues that matter most to them 🇺🇳