Michal A. Tuczapski, Executive Director of Mental Health Rescuers spent two weeks at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, meeting with top officials to push for greater youth involvement in global security. As a key advocate for young people’s participation in international affairs, he focused on expanding youth roles in peace, digital security, and mental health initiatives.
Tuczapski engaged in direct discussions with UN leaders from January 20–31, focusing on integrating young people into global policy-making. He advocated for greater youth participation in security, human rights, and mental health initiatives, particularly in crisis-affected regions.
During his meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, they explored concrete ways to boost youth participation in UN decision-making. Tuczapski’s meetings included discussions with several key UN representatives, demonstrating the breadth of his engagement. He met with H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN and President of ECOSOC, and H.E. Mr. Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. His discussions also included H.E. Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, and H.E. Mr. Cornel Feruță, Permanent Representative of Romania to the UN.
Further expanding his network, Tuczapski engaged with H.E. Mr. Filipo Tarakinikini, Permanent Representative of Fiji to the UN; H.E. Ms. Antje Leendertse, Permanent Representative of Germany to the UN; and H.E. Ms. Alicia Guadalupe Buenrostro Massieu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the UN. He also connected with Mr. Mohammed Khalifa H. Alnasr, Deputy Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN; Mr. Michal Miarka, Deputy Permanent Representative of Poland to the UN; Mr. Renaud Savignat, Head of the Human Rights Section, European Union Delegation to the UN; and Ms. Elaf A. Al-Omair, Head of the Human Rights Section, Saudi Arabia Mission to the UN.
Tuczapski’s work builds on UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, which recognizes young people’s role in preventing conflicts and building peace. His New York meetings aimed to increase youth representation in international forums and turn young voices into real policy action.
As more countries recognize youth as change-makers, Tuczapski’s discussions opened new doors for collaboration between youth groups, UN organizations, and government officials. He continues to champion youth-led solutions for security and mental health through his global advocacy work.
In a world facing complex security and wellness challenges, Tuczapski works to ensure the next generation helps create an inclusive, peaceful, and strong future.
You can learn more about his vision and work in his earlier interview with Diplomatic Watch here.
