On International Youth Day today, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres highlighted the need for young people to have allies to make sure they are “engaged, included and understood”.
“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,” stated Guterres. “This year’s International Youth Day highlights solutions developed by young innovators to address challenges to our food systems. They are tackling inequities in food security, biodiversity loss, threats to our environment and much more. We see that same drive and creativity and commitment in other areas from gender equality to education and skills development.”
YOUTH TRANSFORMING FOOD SYSTEMS
However, young people “cannot do it on their own”, he pointed out. “They need allies to make sure they are engaged, included and understood. Guided by the UN system wide Youth Strategy, Youth 2030, the UN is strengthening its work for and with young people worldwide. We urge everyone to guarantee young people a seat at the table.”
The UN’s theme for International Youth Day 2021 is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”. The theme highlights that the success of such a global effort will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people. Through youth education, engagement, innovation and entrepreneurial solutions, this year’s International Youth Day aims to provide a platform for young people to continue the momentum in the lead up to the high-level Food Systems Summit. This year, International Youth Day will be virtually convened by DESA; in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Major Group for Children and Youth.
YOUTH RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Young people have played a key role in the management of this outbreak and the recovery following the outbreak. Although much is still unknown on how the disease affects young people, governments are mandated in the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) to ensure their services meet the needs of young people. In these circumstances, it is important to “ensure that youth are heard alongside other community and patient voices; in the rollout of health and non-health interventions in response to Covid-19”, highlights the UN.
Building up the capacity of youth to be able to make their own decisions on health and to take responsibility for health is also a key element of WPAY. In this context, health education, public health promotion and evidence-based information are critical in combating the spread and effects of Covid-19; especially to challenge the spread of disinformation online. The role of governments, as well as youth organisations and community groups, will be essential to ensure that trustworthy public health information is disseminated, according to the UN.
Young innovators are already responding to the virus through social impact innovation. Around the world, a number of initiatives are being developed to leverage young people’s efforts to generate and deliver support to at-risk populations; or populations affected by the pandemic. Whilst most of these initiatives are on a voluntary basis (such as young people offering to shop for and deliver food to elders or at-risk people), they can also take the shape of social enterprises. 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.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
Many young people have faced unemployment, or missed out on opportunities to enhance and develop their skills worldwide amid the pandemic. Corporates need to step up and give young people a chance, according to organisations like The Youth Group and CIPD. The UK’s CIPD recently launched its One Million Chances campaign in a bid to boost employment opportunities for the UK’s youth. Click here to read more. Also check out how to help youth boost their career prospects here.
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