NEW YORK, 12 August – The United Nations Secretary-General called for partnerships across generations today to confront a series of threats to humanity’s collective future and achieve the global goals.
“From COVID-19 to climate change, to conflicts, poverty, inequality and discrimination, we need all hands on deck to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and build the better, more peaceful future we all seek,” said António Guterres in his video message for International Youth Day.
This year’s theme is “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages”. People of all ages, young and old, must join forces to build a better world for all, he said.
To support youth, Mr. Guterres called for massive investments in education and skills-building, including through next month’s Transforming Education Summit, while also stressing the need to integrate them into decision-making mechanisms at the local, national and international levels.
He then reiterated a proposal to establish a new Youth Office at the United Nations.
In her message on the Day, Jayathma Wickramanayake, the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, noted that nearly half of the world’s population is under 30, yet only 2.6 per cent of parliamentarians are under 30 and the average age of political leaders is 62.
To support young people’s political participation and amplify young voices in public life, today’s younger generation needs allies who will help move their words from ambition into action to reach young people, she said.
“It’s simple, really,” she said. “Youth are powerful advocates and the key for intergenerational collaboration and accountability towards a more just, sustainable and equal world for all”.
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