© ILO/B. Arakly A young man is learning new skills in Turkey. International Youth Day: young people around the world united by common aspirations Sustainable Development Goals
Half of the world’s population is now under 30 years old, and by the end of the decade this figure is expected to reach 57 percent. On International Youth Day, the UN reminds us that despite differences in living conditions, young people around the world strive for a decent future, participation in society and the opportunity to realize their potential.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for treating the new generation as equal partners in building a sustainable future and increasing their participation in decision-making at all levels.
Common challenges require common solutions
“This year’s theme, “Different Conditions, Common Aspirations,” reflects a simple truth: despite all their differences, young people around the world share the hope of living a life of dignity, participation in society and opportunities for development,” the UN chief said in a message on the occasion of the International Day. Among them are economic uncertainty, inequality and climate change.
According to the UN chief, these challenges require coordinated international action.
Youth are the driving force of change
Guterres also emphasized that young people are already emerging as organizers and innovators.
“To go further, they need the opportunity to gain the skills that will shape the future, from critical thinking and problem solving to digital literacy,” he said.
The UN chief added that by working with young people as equal partners, the international community can accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and harness the knowledge and energy of young people to overcome today’s crises and take advantage of the demographic dividend. We are talking about potential economic growth when the share of the working-age population in the country exceeds the share of children and elderly people.
At the same time, the Secretary-General emphasized, youth should be given a more significant role in decision-making processes at the local, national and international levels.