Invest in the youth – UN Chief

…says youths deserve opportunities to shape their future and help build a more just and inclusive world.

By NATION REPORTER

YOUNG people possess the potential to build a more peaceful, just and inclusive world despite inheriting unprecedented global challenges, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said.

Mr Guterres said it is therefore important to invest in young people.

He said this in a statement ahead of the World Population Day which falls tomorrow.

This year’s theme is “Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future.”

World Population Day is an annual global event observed on July 11 every year to raise awareness about critical population issues, including sustainable development, family planning, gender equality, poverty, and human rights.

Established in 1989 by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the event was inspired by the massive public interest in “Five Billion Day,” which marked the date when the world’s population reached approximately five billion people on July 11, 1987.

In his message ahead of World Population Day, Mr Guterres said this year’s commemoration was an opportunity to celebrate the hopes, aspirations and leadership of young people across the world.

“On this World Population Day, we celebrate the hopes and aspirations of young people everywhere, as well as their immense potential to forge a better future,” Mr Guterres said.

He said young people were inheriting a world affected by conflict, inequality, climate change and rapid technological advancement but were responding with innovation, fresh ideas and courageous leadership.

“They are inheriting a world rocked by conflict, inequality, climate chaos and new technologies. And they are rising to the challenge with fresh perspectives and fearless leadership,” the UN Chief said.

Mr Guterres said the energy and creativity of young people, combined with the wisdom and experience of older generations, could help deliver solutions to many of the world’s pressing challenges.

He said this year’s World Population Day theme underscored the importance of ensuring that all young people enjoyed the freedom, opportunities and support needed to shape their own lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

“That includes the right to make informed choices about their bodies, lives and futures, as affirmed by the World Programme of Action for Youth and the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action,” he said.

Mr Guterres noted that young people across the globe were already making significant contributions as leaders, innovators and activists in addressing shared global challenges.

He urged governments and stakeholders to match the commitment demonstrated by young people through increased investment in education, sexual and reproductive health, decent employment opportunities and meaningful participation in decision-making.

“We must ensure that rights, choices and opportunities are within reach for all people, young and old. Together, we can build a more peaceful, just and inclusive world for everyone,” Mr Guterres said.

Ends.