International youth day will be celebrated on 12th August and the theme for this year is “Youth Engagement for Global Action”. In 2019 the youth population was estimated to be at 1.2 billion according to the UN. The youth population is expected to grow bigger as years go by. Youth in today’s world face many challenges, one being unemployment, who better understands us than the young people? Hence, youth involvement in politics is necessary for sustainable development, restoring trust in our governments and institutions as well as rise of new and fresh ideas.
The world is currently facing many challenges like the COVID-19, climate change crisis and humanitarian crisis. The youth have been at the forefront when it came to addressing these challenges especially climate change crisis, through creating awareness globally and locally. The youth have also been volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic and helping communities especially the vulnerable ones. Over the past years to date, we’ve witnessed degradation of our ecosystems and loss of biodiversity, hence our representation and engagement as youth is critical in order for change to be observed. This is not only through direct political engagement but also through volunteering, voting, demonstrations and service to community as this promotes democracy and community development.
For this to be achieved, institutions have to be more inclusive and involve the youth more. Engagement, representation and empowerment of youth are necessary in addressing challenges faced by humans.
SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
