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.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres
In the digital age, information is readily accessible to everyone, which makes it easier for young people to learn about the news and current events. The impact of technology has provided young people with greater freedom and has completely changed the means of communication.
Technology and social media especially have provided young people with tools and platforms where they can advocate for their concerns and issues. There are many individuals out there who have the ideas, creativity and energy to shape a better world.
Around the world, we are seeing more and more youth engage in social, political and economic sectors such as Greta Thunberg and her fight for climate action with her iconic placard “School Strike for Climate”.
To celebrate youth and all of their ongoing hard work, International Youth Day is commemorated every year on the 12th of August. The Focal Point on Youth selects a theme for the day and this year the theme is Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages. This theme is here to amplify the message that no one is left behind but this day is also here to raise issues on barriers still being held against young people.
From the UN, did you know?
- The economic impact of COVID-19 is set to make the job market more challenging for youth. The ILO reports that in the first quarter of 2020, about 5.4% of global working hours, that is equivalent to 155 million full-time jobs, were lost relative to the fourth quarter of 2019.
- Recent estimates suggest that 600 million jobs would have to be created over the next 15 years to meet youth employment needs.
- The proportion of young people not in employment, education or training (the youth NEET rate) has remained stubbornly high over the past 15 years and now stands at 30% for young women and 13% for young men worldwide.
For international youth day, the DESA will work with the Major Group on Children and Youth (MGCY) to organize a global webinar for its official commemoration. This webinar will provide opportunities for young people to learn more about issues such as ageism, solidarity and intergenerational equity.
Now as a young person reading this, are there any issues that you find concerning? What are they and why do you want to do something about this issue? Try and reflect upon these questions and journal them down in a diary. This can help you understand the issue and prioritize what needs to be done first to solve this issue.
And don’t forget to visit us @RefashionMyTown for more information and latest updates on webinars and skills sessions that are hosted at our shop in Chippenham or online.
Further resources:
International Youth Day 12 August
International Youth Day 2022: Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages
Youth activism is on the rise around the globe, and adults should pay attention