Written by Moiz Naseer

Over the past few years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to attend international Model United Nations conferences and youth forums centered around the Sustainable Development Goals. These weren’t just events — they were experiences that shifted how I see the world and my generation.

I met students from every corner of the globe, all different, yet connected by one thing: a deep, burning desire to make the world better. In those rooms, ideas flowed freely, solutions were discussed passionately, and optimism felt real. I saw young people taking on big issues like climate change, human rights, education, and gender equality — and they weren’t waiting for permission to lead.

Coming From Where I Do, It Hits Differently

I come from Pakistan, a place full of smart, capable, passionate young people. I’ve seen firsthand how talented they are, from brilliant problem-solvers to creative minds ready to take on anything. But they’re often held back, not by a lack of skill, but by invisible walls around them.

For me, stepping into international spaces, representing my background, sharing my voice, and listening to others , was a privilege. But it was also a painful reminder: so many of the people I grew up with didn’t get this chance, even though they deserved it.

The Ones Who Should Have Been There, But Weren’t

There are thousands of youth around the world who could be leading, innovating, and building, but they’re stuck. Stuck because of family pressure. Stuck because of outdated systems. Stuck because of social limitations, gender expectations, financial struggle, or simply the belief that they aren’t good enough.

They grow up shrinking themselves, slowly letting go of the things they once dreamed of. And by the time they realize their worth, they’re already tired.

You Only Understand How Far Behind You Are Once You Leave

One of the hardest truths I’ve had to face is this: you don’t always realize how limited your world is, until you step outside of it. I’ve travelled a lot around the world and currently am living outside my country for my University.

When you finally leave your country, your comfort zone, or your old routine, and start focusing on yourself, it hits you like a wave. You see how fast the world is moving, how loudly others are chasing their dreams, how confident they are in their voice.

And you realize: you’ve been surviving, not living. You’ve been following rules that were never meant for growth. You’ve been holding back, and the world never even noticed.But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to catch up.

That moment of realization, that painful awareness of how much time you lost, can also become your breakthrough. You may feel behind, but you’re not out. The moment you choose yourself, the moment you commit to learning, to growing, to moving, that’s when everything starts to shift.

If You Feel Stuck, This Is for You

If you’ve ever felt like your dreams are too big for your situation, or like you’re falling behind while others race ahead — I want you to know this: you are not alone. And more importantly, you are not wrong for wanting more.

Your passion is not a weakness. Your questions are not a problem. The way you see the world, differently, deeply, is a strength. The world may not always reflect that back to you, but that doesn’t make it untrue.

You Don’t Need Permission to Begin

Here’s the truth no one told me early on: you don’t need to be chosen to matter. You don’t need someone’s approval to speak, to act, to start building something. You just need the courage to show up — even when it’s uncomfortable, even when you’re not ready.

The youth I met in conferences didn’t wait until they had the perfect résumé. Many came from ordinary backgrounds, facing real struggles — yet they showed up anyway. And that’s what made them extraordinary.

So apply for the opportunity. Join the cause. Write the idea down. Share your voice. Build your thing. Move, even if you’re scared. Especially if you’re scared.

Your Story is Your Power

One of the most powerful things I learned while interacting with global youth is this: you don’t need a flawless journey to make an impact. You just need an honest one.

Your setbacks, your failures, your pain — they all have meaning. They shape the way you see the world, and that perspective is something no one else can copy. The most impactful leaders I’ve met weren’t the ones who had it easy — they were the ones who kept going when it was hard.

So don’t hide your story. Own it. Let it become your reason, not your excuse.

You Are the Future — Whether the World Acknowledges It or Not

I believe in this generation not because it sounds nice — but because I’ve seen the proof with my own eyes. In every conference, on every panel, in every group discussion, I’ve heard the next chapter of the world’s story being written — by people like you.

So if the world hasn’t noticed your light yet, shine anyway. If the path looks blurry, walk anyway. If no one claps yet, create anyway.The world needs you. Just as you are.

And even if it doesn’t say it out loud — you’re already on your way.