The 4th International Financing for Development (FfD4) Conference began on 30 June, bringing together world leaders, international and regional organizations, civil society, the private sector and the UN system to advance a new policy for financing sustainable development.

I first stepped foot in the UNGA chamber at age eighteen on a tour while visiting New York City with my family. Taking in the vast expanse of delegate seats, the dramatic curve of the ceiling, and the UN seal shining in the distance, I dreamed wildly of one day having a place in that hall. Over the past few weeks, participating in civil society Action Days for Summit of the Future and experiencing the energy around the high-level week of the General Assembly, I thought often of teenage me.