Empowering Future Leaders: International Youth Day

Senaste uppdatering Tisdag, 06/08/2024

"Youth is the hope of our future." - José Rizal. José Rizal, a Filipino nationalist, played a key role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonisation. Young people are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are making impacts today. From Emma González’s advocacy for gun control to Autumn Peltier’s fight for clean water rights, youth around the world are driving change and inspiring millions.

Emma González is an American activist and advocate for gun control who survived the Parkland school shooting and co-founded the advocacy group Never Again MSD. Autumn Peltier is a Canadian water activist and member of the Anishinaabe Indigenous community, known for advocating for clean water and protecting water rights.

International Youth Day celebrated on 12 August is a global event that focuses on the challenges and opportunities faced by the younger generation. The Focal Point on Youth, part of the UN Inter-Agency Network in Youth Development, selects an annual theme for the day with input from youth organizations. This year, the theme is ‘From Clicks To Progress: Youth Digital Pathways For Sustainable Development’.

The global youth NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rate is alarmingly high, at 30% for young women and 13% for young men. This means that 30% of young women and 13% of young men are neither working nor pursuing education or training. In addition, mental health issues are prevalent, with many young people lacking access to adequate support. These challenges are compounded by social issues such as discrimination and inequality, making it crucial to address them comprehensively.

Get Involved: This is your day!

International Youth Day is not just about acknowledging youth issues; it's also about empowering young people to make a difference in their communities. Here are some activities you can organise:

• Educational radio show: Engage with local or national radio stations to discuss youth contributions to global issues with distinguished individuals and youth.
• Public meetings or debates: Host virtual or in-person meetings to foster discussions on young people's roles in addressing global challenges.
• Intergenerational round tables: Promote understanding and collaboration between generations through structured discussions.
• Youth forums: Create platforms for young people to exchange ideas and embrace cultural diversity, fostering a culture of non-violence.
• Concerts and exhibitions: Use arts and music to highlight youth-related issues, combining entertainment with education and awareness.

The future impact of current youth initiatives is immense. Empowering today’s youth can lead to a world where sustainable practices are the norm, and social justice prevails. Imagine a future where young leaders shape policies that foster equality and environmental stewardship!

Did You Know?

• Youth NEET rate: The global youth NEET rate has remained high over the past 15 years.
• Job creation needs: 600 million jobs must be created over the next 15 years to meet youth employment demands.
• Youth population: By 2030, 57% of the global population will be 30 years old or younger.
• Optimism for the future: 67% of people believe in a better future, with 15-17-year-olds being the most optimistic.
• Political engagement: 69% of people agree that more opportunities for youth in policymaking would improve political systems.

International Youth Day is an opportunity to bring youth issues to the forefront and celebrate the potential of young people as active contributors to society. Whether through organising events or participating in discussions, every effort counts in making this day meaningful and impactful. Let's work together to create a better world for all ages.

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Young Journalists in Europe - Meet the author

Emma Brownrigg
Hello! I'm Emma Brownrigg Fenech, an 18-year-old studying journalism from Malta. Raised by political discussions, I've forged a deep interest in societal change. Presently, I serve as the Vice-President of my college. In 2022, I made my parliamentary debut. I eagerly anticipate engaging in global dialogue. Journalism and politics aside I enjoy rock and metal music. My commitment remains steadfast—to utilise media as a catalyst for meaningful societal transformation.