Youth is probably the biggest percentage in terms of population in this world. The young generation nowadays has so much power to make a global impact. Despite the many turn-around events across the world, the United Nations commemorates International Youth Day every 12th of August. This year’s theme is “From Click to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development. Based on the United Nations definition of youth for statistical purposes, those individuals are ages 15–24, without prejudice to other definitions of the member states. In some countries, they defined youth as 18 to 30 years old, while others defined them as 18 to 34 or 35 years old.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guteres highlighted the pivotal role of youth in harnessing technology to advance sustainable development and towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in his 2024 official message. He further expressed his thoughts on the impact of artificial intelligence on reshaping the world; thus, youth should engage in shaping digital policies.
The United Nations demonstrated the implications of a digital world for accelerating sustainable development. Specifically, digital technologies such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data generated from digital interactions supports evidence-based decision-making.
Young people are leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation, with three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022, a rate higher than other age groups. However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income countries and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male counterparts. There is an urgent need to enhance digital inclusion; youth are largely recognized as “digital natives,” using technology to drive change and create solutions. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues.
By celebrating the digital contributions of youth, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development. By empowering the lives of global citizens, nations and peoples across the world should be able to establish shared alliances based on common interests.
As an advocate of peace, I understand that no simple or complex answer provides the mastery of one policy; it entails multiple and complicated multilateral efforts. I am asking everyone to take note of these important global scenarios. Our world population is dominated by youth, with the highest percentage.
John Lennon once said, You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be one. As we express our sentiments, may we obtain sustainable and inclusive solutions to real-life problems and challenges in contemporary times.
More importantly, my personal advice to the younger generation is to value education, which is a responsibility in the 21st century. Malala Yousafzai once mentioned that “education is neither Eastern nor Western; it is human.” The youth of today are the positive enablers and social warriors towards the upliftment of human advancement and social development; they make the world brighter with their extraordinary attributes of being millennials and technologically advanced. Like the race in the ancient Olympics, we have outstanding individuals joining us in the promotion of shared fields as the building blocks of inclusive and sustainable peace development not only in our region but across the international arena. Continue the race! Never doubt your dexterity!
