Latin America Leadership Program

By: Ana Gomez Garces (B'25) and Guadalupe Ramirez

Although many dream of working at the United Nations, this was not part of Felipe’s plan, at least not when, driven by his calling to heal and his passion for studying a field purely focused on problem-solving, he enrolled at Universidad de la República for his undergraduate degree in medicine.

He began his studies during a time of upheaval, with many discussions, movements, and debates taking place. Student involvement had a significant influence over the university’s agenda, and a dominant political current that didn’t align with his beliefs prevailed. It was then that he realized change only happens when people get involved. And since that ideology didn’t represent him, why not step up and make sure his views were heard? His participation in the student government taught him the transformative power of politics and the important role of the youth within these transformation institutions and roles. Throughout his studies and later as he worked as a doctor, he remained committed to his passion for public policy and advocacy.

GCL as a transformative experience

Before beginning his pediatrics specialization, a former participant introduced him to the Global Competitiveness Leadership (GCL) program, encouraging him to apply given how well his profile aligned with it. For Felipe, applying felt like a distant possibility at the time: it was a prestigious program in the U.S. university with a low acceptance rate, and with a low Uruguayan participation However, driven by his commitment to public service and his desire to be better equipped to continue pursuing his passion, Felipe applied and was selected for the GCL 2017 cohort.

“They said it would be a life-changing experience and would benefit me greatly” - Felipe Paullier

GCL was a transformative experience, reinforcing his vocation for public service, said Felipe.

“It struck a deep chord in the sense of love for my country, but also the realization that my country exists within a broader region that requires us to think with a regional perspective. That’s what I found in GCL, though I believe each person takes away something different from the experience.” - Felipe Paullier

GCL Alumni: a network with purpose

Felipe has remained committed to and connected with the GCL alumni network. While implementing PLIG he collaborated with other GCL alumni. He was one of the organizers and promoters of the 2021 GCL Alumni Reunion, which was originally set to take place in Uruguay but was moved to a virtual format due to the pandemic. His dedication to organize a meaningful conference included securing the participation of Uruguay’s Vice President, Beatriz Argimón. Throughout the years, he has cultivated friendships with his cohort alumni across the region, as well as with other Uruguayan alumni. He believes that finding these human connections is extremely valuable, where despite any difference in ideologies, career paths, or background that exist, it is ultimately a network of passionate individuals with shared interests.

“It’s a very powerful network, one where you find people with shared interests. At the same time, it’s incredibly diverse in a positive way. Within our diversity and plurality, there is a shared value—a collective sense of purpose.” – Felipe Paullier

Commitment with youth, leadership and service

After returning to Uruguay, Felipe was inspired by the changemakers he had shared 10 weeks with, the impact they were making in their communities, and the tools and skills he had developed through the program. Determined to multiply that impact, he designed Programa Líderes de Impacto Global (PLIG) to bring GCL’s transformative experience to Uruguay’s young leaders. Held in 2018 and 2019, PLIG welcomed a diverse group of participants, including leaders from major political parties, labor unions, nonprofit organizations, and private sector companies. The program aimed to promote academic excellence and build bridges between agents from different sectors. The 2019 edition placed an additional emphasis on empowering the next generation of politicians ahead of the country’s upcoming elections. Sessions focused on negotiation, leadership, social sciences, and the key challenges Uruguay would face in the next five years. The initiative was awarded the GCL Seal, a certificate of excellence given by LALP to alumni-led projects that create social impact and generate a multiplier effect in the region.

In 2020, Felipe was inaugurated as the new Director of the National Institute of Youth in Uruguay (INJU), part of Uruguay’s Ministry of Social Development (MIDES). However, his ambition to continue driving youth participation and engagement did not end at the national level. His passion, drive, and conviction for his work had even bigger shoes for him to fill.

In 2023, Felipe was appointed as Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Upon assuming his mandate on December 1st, 2023, he became the youngest-senior appointment in UN history.

The United Nations Youth Office was created in 2023 by the General Assembly to serve as the anchor for UN system coordination and accountability on youth matters, allowing the implementation of a cross-organization strategy. The office’s role is to promote and advocate progress by encouraging meaningful, inclusive, and effective multi-stakeholder collaboration in areas of sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security. As a dedicated advocate for youth worldwide, the UN Youth Office strives to create a world where young people actively participate in shaping the decisions that impact their lives.

As Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe aims to promote the meaningful, inclusive, and effective participation of young people and youth-focused organizations in United Nations activities. From his position at the UN, he fosters partnerships with organizations working with youth across all regions. His office strives to ensure youth affairs are a priority within the different branches of the United Nations, governments and society.

Felipe sees his role as one of cultural transformation, shifting mindsets to recognize that youth participation not only brings positive contributions to politics and decision-making but also strengthens institutional trust and enhances the efficiency of policy implementation. He believes his work operates on three levels. The first is promoting the integration of youth affairs into the UN agenda. The second involves advocacy efforts and political engagement with governments to encourage the inclusion of young people in politics. Lastly, he focuses on ensuring that youth are actively represented within the UN itself.

For example, he is leading a transformation in the organization’s internship programs to ensure they are high-quality, paid opportunities that emphasize the added value young people bring. He challenges the perspective that only interns benefit from these experiences, emphasizing that the organization should also learn from them. Therefore, every day is different for Felipe as he works toward these objectives while actively engaging with young people, connecting with them through social and youth organizations and fostering accessibility.

“I truly believe in this organization and its importance—now more than ever—in a highly polarized world, where emerging conflicts and challenges transcend national borders. I see the value of having a space where governments can come together, and within that space, ensuring that alongside the diversity of governments, there is also room for participation from the private sector, civil society, and various other groups.” – Felipe Paullier

Felipe’s efforts transcend his role and responsibilities. His daily actions are also guided by his passion for youth affairs and his commitment to serving others. Breaking away from traditional ways of doing things and thinking, Felipe emphasizes the importance of human connections and relationships. This reflects his deep sense of humanity, which transcends his already incredible professional career. He strives to be accessible, regardless of his position. He believes in fostering closeness between multilateral organizations and individuals, and he embraces this approach throughout both his professional and personal life.

“Within the limits of what I can do, whenever a young person approaches me in a space and wants to talk, I always try to at least stop and acknowledge them. Even if I don’t have time at that moment, I make an effort to say, ‘Look, I can’t talk right now, but this is our office’s contact.’ And if I can stay and listen, even for a little while, I do.” – Felipe Paulier

Congratulations, Felipe! From LALP we are beyond proud and cannot wait to see your next incredible achievements. You are an inspiration for the GCL network and future generations.

Bio: 

Dr. Paullier has been the Director General of Uruguay's National Youth Institute since 2020. Previously, he held political roles, including Deputy Mayor of Montevideo’s CH jurisdiction (2015-2020) and Alternate Counsellor in the Montevideo Departmental Legislative Court (2010-2015).

A medical doctor specializing in pediatrics, he worked at Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital and other healthcare institutions. He earned his medical degree from Universidad de la República and an MBA at Universidad Católica de Uruguay.