Today, there are over 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24 in the world, 90 percent of whom live in developing countries, where they tend to make up a large proportion of the population. It is the largest cohort in human history. Meeting their needs is a great challenge at the moment for many governments. However, these young people seen as a challenge can also become a source of great opportunities for these governments if properly groomed. This is because Youth can be a positive force for development when provided with the knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive. Without any uncertainty or doubt, they hold our shared future in their hands.
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.
Today is International Youth Day (IYD) which is observed annually on August 12th. It is meant as an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. During IYD, concerts, workshops, cultural events, and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organizations take place around the world.IYD was designated by the United Nations in 1999 with the adoption of the Resolution.
The theme for IYD 2018 was “Safe Spaces for Youth”. It was for world leaders to make the environment conducive for young people to prevent conflict, support inclusion, social justice, and sustain peace. For 2019, the theme of IYD was “Transforming education” to make education inclusive and accessible for all youth. And for 2020, the theme of IYD was “Youth Engagement for Global Action”. The theme for 2021 IYD is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”. Below are the thoughts of the Secretary-General of the United Nations today.
“Young people are on the frontlines of the struggle to build a better future for all. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dire need for the kind of transformational change they seek – and young people must be full partners in that effort. This year’s International Youth Day highlights solutions developed by young innovators to address challenges to our food systems. They are tackling inequalities in food security, biodiversity loss, threats to our environment, and much more. We see that same drive, creativity, and commitment in many other areas – from gender equality to education and skills development. But young people cannot do it on their own. They need allies to make sure they are engaged, included, and understood. Guided by the United Nations system-wide Youth Strategy, Youth2030, the UN is strengthening its work for and with young people worldwide. I urge everyone to guarantee young people a seat at the table as we build a world based on inclusive, fair, and sustainable development for all.”
António Guterres
United Nations Secretary General
Every day, we read about young people lending their ideas and passions to fighting for change, social change, political change, change in their communities. We all know some young people making a difference and creating change as change-makers in our communities. The old game was efficient but repetitive; today, machines do most of what we used to do. The world is changing fast, a global mind shift is happening across all sectors and disciplines. Innovation and technology are connecting us more than ever before. We are sharing more and working differently. As the next generation pioneers the changes of the future, the status quo is no longer enough as it presents a new inequality. Those with the skills to thrive and those without are disadvantaged. In these challenges lies the possibilities. What matters is how we evolve and create change as young people.
Technology may drive the how, but young change-makers drive the why. Let’s transform how we learn, work and live together in a dynamic team of teams. Youth are strategically equipped to create this desired change and transform our worlds however small or big. Young people should grow up knowing they are change-makers and they can create a more equitable happy and healthy world where everyone is powerful have the skills to solve problems and enable others to lead and thrive. As young people, be inspired to become the change you seek even if you have to create it. Today, we celebrate all youth as change-makers. Happy International Youth Day!
