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NEW YORK (UN News Centre) – As the world marked International Youth Day on Monday, the United Nations Secretary-General stressed the importance of empowering young people and achieving equality to achieve the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals.
Under this theme, From clicks to progress: digital pathways for youth sustainable developmentThe International Day focuses on “the critical role of youth in harnessing technology to advance sustainable development”.
International Youth Day is celebrated on 12 August each year, focusing on youth issues and their enormous potential as a force for good in society.
It was proposed to the United Nations General Assembly by the World Youth Forum in 1991 and formally established in 1999 to raise awareness and provide support.
Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that young people have been effectively using digital tools to address local and global challenges, such as climate change and mental health issues, and praised the younger generation as “digital natives.”
Data from the United Nations in 2022 shows that digital adoption and innovation are largely led by people aged 15 to 24. However, there are still clear gaps in low-income countries and among women, who have lower internet usage.
The UN chief said achieving the Sustainable Development Goals would require a “major shift” that would require “closing the digital divide and increasing investment in education, critical thinking and information literacy”, as well as tackling sexism in the tech industry and encouraging young people to scale digital solutions.
“As artificial intelligence reshapes our world, young people must be front and center in shaping digital policies and institutions,” Guterres said.
A UN statement further said: “By celebrating the digital contributions of youth, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration to achieve sustainable development.”
Future Summit
At next month’s Future Summit, world leaders will come together to develop ideas and solutions for a more sustainable future for all.
The United Nations encourages governments to use this opportunity to advance
Youth participation at all levels of summits.
“You can count on the UN Youth Office and the entire UN family to stand with and for young people. Together, let us harness their energy and ideas to shape a more sustainable future for all,” Guterres said. … PACNEWS
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