They want to learn, work, make decisions, and build their future.
They want to learn, work, make decisions, and build their future. But depending on where they grow up, young people don’t start out with the same opportunities. For International Youth Day, celebrated this August 12, the UN is highlighting a global paradox: deeply different realities, but the same aspiration for dignity, opportunities, and a sustainable future.
“Despite their many differences, young people around the world share the same aspirations for dignity, participation, and opportunities,” emphasizes UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message for the day, which this year is themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”But these aspirations run into obstacles that go far beyond borders. Economic uncertainty, digital exclusion, climate change, difficulties in accessing education and work, as well as social exclusion affect millions of young people.
These challenges are especially pronounced in the least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS). Poverty, geographic isolation, climate vulnerability, lack of infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities further reduce the prospects available to young people there.At the forefront of solutions
That said, young people are not only facing crises. They are also at the forefront of solutions, particularly through entrepreneurship, digital technologies, climate action, and community initiatives.
“Young people are already setting an example with their ability to mobilize and innovate,” says the UN chief.
He nevertheless stresses the need to give them the means to go further, especially by allowing them to acquire the skills that will shape the world of tomorrow: critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and digital literacy.
For the Secretary-General, young people must also be able to play “a bigger role in decision-making at local, national, and international levels.”Investing in youth would thus allow, according to him, to increase the demographic dividend, accelerate sustainable development, and mobilize the energy and know-how of young people in the face of major contemporary crises.
International Youth Day also offers the chance to highlight initiatives led by young people and strengthen dialogue between governments, youth organizations, civil society, universities, and the United Nations system.Online Campaign
Through a global online campaign, the UN is asking young people this year to share messages of hope, solidarity, and teamwork, and to show off the projects they’re leading in their communities.
‘What brings young people together across the world is stronger than what divides them,’ says António Guterres.
The UN is showing its support for young people, encouraging more investment and inclusion so no one gets left out and every generation can fully help shape the future.[eos]
