Youth engagement for global action

Ranjan K Baruah

(With direct inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)

It is said that young people are the power house for any society or nation. The energy of young people can bring positive changes if used properly. At present when the entire world is fighting the pandemic, young people are not lagging behind. There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in severe economic and social impacts around the world. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions the pandemic has caused. Young people will form a key element in an inclusive recovery and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during this Decade of Action.

We are aware that COVID-19 affects all segments of the population, with young people playing a key role in the management of this outbreak and the recovery following the outbreak. Building up the capacity of youth to be able to make their decisions on health or education and to take responsibility for health and education is a key element. Young people themselves are also utilizing online technologies to spread public health information in engaging ways such as videos to promote effective hand washing or explain how social distancing can save lives.

Young innovators are already responding to the virus through social impact innovation. Many youth-driven technology innovation hubs are supporting startups to develop effective solutions to address COVID-19. For example, CcHUB (an open living lab and pre-incubation space) in Nigeria is offering to provide financial, research and design support for projects related to COVID-19.

International Youth Day (IYD) gives an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples' voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement. In 1999, the General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August should be declared IYD. The theme of IYD 2020, "Youth Engagement for Global Action" seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.

António Guterres, Secretary General of the UN in his message on the occasion of IYD said that "this year's Youth Day occurs as the lives and aspirations of young people continue to be upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have lost their lives, and many have seen family members and other loved ones perish. The vulnerabilities of young refugees, displaced persons, young women and girls and others caught up in conflict or disasters have grown more acute." He also added that "many are young women who have been on the frontlines in mobilizing for justice and climate action — while also serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response." He calls on leaders and adults everywhere to do everything possible to enable the world's youth to enjoy lives of safety, dignity and opportunity and contribute to the fullest of their great potential.

Youth can be a positive force for development when provided with the knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive. Today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years, accounting for 16 per cent of the global population. By 2030—the target date for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that make up the 2030 Agenda—the number of youth is projected to have grown by 7 per cent, to nearly 1.3 billion.

Young people around the world are working for a better tomorrow. They are mobilizing for racial justice and gender equality and are the champions of a more sustainable world. They are peace builders promoting social cohesion at a time of social distancing, advancing an end to violence globally and advocating harmony at a time of rising hatred. It is important to mentor our young people in positive ways and in return they would certainly contribute for bringing positive social change.

IYD is an opportunity for young people to showcase their care and commitment for the society and as this year's theme is focused on global engagement so we have to see how we can contribute even on global issues. Technology has enabled us to connect with our peers and if we used technology in positive ways then it would certainly help in achieving the global goals. Together we can make a difference and let us take up the challenge to achieve SDGs in our lifetime. We need commitments and action and as we have to contribute more post COVID, so, let us get empowered and take action for social changes.