International Youth Day 2022: Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world needs to leverage the full potential of all generations. Solidarity across generations is key for sustainable development. We must collaborate to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships to ensure “no one is left behind.” While intergenerational solidarity and concern for future generations is being called for in tackling global issues – with the UN Secretary-General recently putting forward new recommendations on renewed intergenerational solidarity, including in Our Common Agenda – many challenges remain. 

The Global Report on Ageism launched by the United Nations in March 2021 highlights the many data gaps that exist with regards to ageism against youth. Despite this lack of research, young people continue to report age-related barriers in various spheres of their lives such as employment, political participation, health and justice. On an individual level, these age-related obstacles can deeply impact wellbeing and livelihoods not only during the youth years, but also in adulthood. On a societal level, ageism prevents us from thinking and designing policies and social services that adopt a life-course approach and are fair for all ages. 

In this context, the objective of this year’s International Youth Day theme, Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages, is to amplify the message that action is needed across all generations to achieve the SDGs and leave no one behind. The 2022 International Youth Day will also raise awareness on certain barriers to intergenerational solidarity, notably ageism, which impacts young and old persons, while having detrimental effects on society as a whole. 

This theme builds on the momentum from two side events organized by UNDESA and partners earlier this year on 1) ageism in health and employment and 2) ageism in politics on the margins of the 60th Commission for Social Development and the 11th edition of the ECOSOC Youth Forum, respectively. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/iyd2022.html

Thriving Youth – From Ageism to Intergenerational Solidarity

Addressing ageism and fostering collaboration across all groups is needed to advance the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, ensuring that no one is left behind. Ageism is defined by the World Health Organisation as the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed towards others or oneself, based on age. It is an insidious and often accepted health, human rights and development issue that affects both older and younger populations around the world. Importantly, ageism regularly co-exists with other forms of bias that numerous groups struggle with for the duration of their lives.

https://youtu.be/Xv_bokY-wXM

 The UN Global report on ageism launched in March of 2021 highlights the many gaps that still exist with regards to ageism as it affects younger people. In this context, the objective of this virtual side event is to give focus to younger populations and their experiences of ageism, and to create a partnership across age groups to combat ageism.

As we enter into our third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we see that young people are facing distinct age-related barriers in various spheres of their lives, including health, employment and politics. These age-related obstacles can deeply impact wellbeing and livelihoods not only during the youth years, but also in adulthood. Nurturing just and equitable access to health (and especially mental health) services, and bridging existing inequalities in employment and opportunities for political engagement are key elements in addressing ageism targeting all age groups.

For the COVID—19 recovery to be truly inclusive and sustainable, there is an undeniable need to  identify and address the root causes of ageism as well as combat its multidimensional effects on all generations.

This 60th Commission for Social Development (CSocD60) side event was based on the key findings of the Global report on ageism as well as the Ageism through the ages initiative also lead by the World Health Organization.

Reducing Inequalities through Digital Public Goods and Youth Collaboration for the SDGs

For many decades, the General Assembly has been mindful of the difficulties and opportunities presented by technological change.  In 2015, the Addis Ababa Agenda for Action 69/313 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development established the Technology Facilitation Mechanism to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Later resolutions 72/242 and 73/17, specifically address rapid technological change and its impact on the SDGs. Additionally, the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) highlights information communication technologies as a priority area and lists specific action items such as providing training to promote the use of information and communications technology and protecting youth from its detrimental elements.

The spread of information and communications technology and global interconnectedness can accelerate human progress, bridge the digital divide and develop knowledge societies, as does scientific and technological innovation across diverse areas. However, there are also negative consequences, including labour displacement, concerns about privacy and respect for human rights, and the possibility that harnessing technologies to advance towards achieving one of the SDGs could negatively affect other goals and targets.

Numerous problems are exacerbated by the digital divide. The possibility that improvements in digital technology would benefit the already connected while increasing inequality within and across countries must be addressed through effective policies that achieve the shared objective of leaving no one behind. The COVID-19 epidemic has exacerbated pre-existing digital divides and technical inequality.

Inequality, in multiple forms, has been a defining dynamic of the early twenty-first century even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased inequality both between and within countries continues to drive instability. This has impacted many vulnerable and marginalized groups, especially young people, who often face multiple dimensions of inequality.

As the world moves towards increased use of digital technologies and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a significant portion of this move could become a normality, inequalities in this sector will accelerate if issues of access and governance are not addressed. However, new innovations in digital technologies and ICT infrastructure, if designed with inclusive policies and processes, offer both an opportunity to create a better future for young people and envision a new social contract.

For youth, drivers of inequality go beyond economic inequality to include inequalities in education, health and public service access, social protection systems, and access to technologies empowered by the internet. According to a 2019 International Labour Organization (ILO) report, “Nearly 4 billion people, including 2 out of 3 children – have no or inadequate social protection to start with, leaving them dangerously exposed to poverty, food insecurity and shocks”.^[1] This is an important issue, as a lack of social protection leaves people vulnerable to ill-health, poverty, inequality and social exclusion throughout their lifecycle, creating an obstacle to inclusive social development, and especially impacts the futures of young people.

There are approximately 1.8 billion people alive today between the ages of 10 to 24, with a majority of young people[2] living in urban areas of developing countries. Many young people in these countries bear the brunt of the world’s pre-existing inequalities, which often compound each other, and impede social mobility. These pre-existing inequalities include unequal access to digital technologies and ICT infrastructure. As of 2020, “..93 per cent of the world’s population live within physical reach of mobile broadband or Internet services. However, only 53.6 per cent of the world’s population now use the Internet, leaving an estimated 3.6 billion without access.”

In addition, promoting access by itself does not immediately guarantee a reduction of inequalities. Indeed, the proliferation of digital technologies without inclusive policies and governance can be a driver of inequalities as represented by the rural and urban divide within countries. This can further contribute to low social mobility and uneven development that impacts many vulnerable and excluded groups.

Thus, if evenly distributed and well designed, internet connectivity and new technologies can drive future development; create more inclusive societies by redefining social protection systems; bring new opportunities to young and marginalized people; and enhance the quality of life for those who have access to them. Therefore, a new form of technological transfer and innovation may need to be considered. To drive this change, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation gives a series of recommendations for international digital cooperation, stressing an inclusive digital economy and society, while utilizing new technologies to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reduce inequalities.

This policy brief will provide an overview of the problem of digital inequality and will introduce the concept of digital public goods as a solution for reducing this. Issues regarding the governance of digital public goods will be discussed, and recommendations will be presented in relation to the creation, adoption and governance of digital public goods (DPGs), and the need for greater stakeholder involvement in these processes, particularly youth engagement.

Read the full policy brief on "Towards a New Social Contract: Reducing Inequalities through Digital Public Goods and Youth Collaboration for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)".

Youth need ‘seat at the table’ to lead struggle for better future: Guterres

“They are tackling inequities in food security, biodiversity loss, threats to our environment and much more”, Secretary-General António Guterres spelled out in his message for the day.

And noting that COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the “dire need for…transformational change”, he upheld that young people must be “full partners in that effort”.

Stand with youth

From gender equality to education and skills development, the top UN official highlighted that youth exhibit drive, creativity, and commitment.

“But young people cannot do it on their own”, he stated. “They need allies to make sure they are engaged, included and understood”.

Guided by the UN system-wide youth strategy, Youth2030, the Organization is strengthening its work for and with young people worldwide.

“I urge everyone to guarantee young people a seat at the table as we build a world based on inclusive, fair, and sustainable development for all”, said Mr. Guterres.

Tap into youth

UN cultural agency (UNESCO) chief, Audrey Azoulay quoted iconic New York author, poet and musician, Patti Smith, to underscore her agency’s message that young people must act for themselves, asking: “Who can know the heart of youth but youth itself?”  

Ms. Azoulay explained that UNESCO intends to “explore the idea” of a global grant system, to finance research projects and grassroots action, led by young people. She’s convening an international conference on “the impact of the pandemic on young people” during September.

Youth are also at the heart of other agency intiatives, including the UNESCO Global Youth Community initiative, Youth UNESCO Climate Action Network and  various projects to prevent violent extremism. 

“These are the best means to reach them in a relevant and useful way”, she said, inviting young people to continue to engage and for all of civil society to “tap into the immense potential of this unique, productive and incredibly capable” group.

Changemakers

The newly-elected President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Collen Vixen Kelapile, said that the inclusion and involvement of youth in key activities, is a top priority.

Pointing out that “youth are changemakers and their contribution is essential to realizing the mandate of the Council”, he looked forward to hearing from youth around the world on “how we can advance together the Youth Agenda and implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDSGs)” while responding and recovering from COVID-19.

Youth festival

Meanwhile, the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth welcomed thousands of young people from across the globe as it kicked off the first-ever, all virtual Youth Lead Innovation Festival.

Over two days, participants will be discussing the importance of innovation and technology to achieve the SDGs and support COVID-19 recovery.

Despite facing multidimensional challenges in their day-to-day lives, UN Youth Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayake said, “time and time again we see young people at the frontlines of developing new solutions and becoming pillars of their communities”.

“Young people of today are digital natives that routinely contribute to the resilience of their communities, proposing innovative solutions, driving social progress and inspiring transparent and inclusive political change”, she highlighted.

Source: UN News

International Youth Day 2021 on “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”

The theme of International Youth Day 2021 is, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, with the aim of highlighting that the success of such a global effort will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people. It has been acknowledged that there is a need for inclusive support mechanisms that […]

ECOSOC Youth Forum 2021 – commemorating its 10th Anniversary

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum will be held on 7 and 8 April 2021. The modalities of participation will depend on the evolving spread of COVID-19 and its impact on travel restrictions as well as considerations on the safety, health and wellbeing of participants.

The Forum provides a global platform for a candid dialogue among Member States and young leaders from around the world on solutions to challenges affecting youth wellbeing. It also serves as a unique space for young people to share their vision and actions as well as to provide youth perspectives on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.

The 2021 Forum’s discussions will be guided by the overall theme of the 2021 ECOSOC and HLPF: “Sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development: Building an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development”. Consideration will also be given to the group of SDGs decided by Member States for in-depth discussions at the 2021 HLPF, namely, SDGs 1, 2, 3, 8, 10, 12, 13, 16 and 17.

The Forum is being organized by the UN Department of Economic Affairs (UNDESA) in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth (OSGEY), the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), the International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organizations (ICMYO) as well as partners in the UN system.

Youth leaders from around the world will have the opportunity to engage with government representatives, youth delegates, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders in civil society and the private sector.

The two-day event will feature plenary sessions, interactive thematic and regionally-based discussions, and provide an opportunity for a rich exchange of views and ideas on innovative solutions to issues of relevance to young people on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and also on the sustainable development goals under review in the Economic and Social Council and the High-level Political Forum in 2021.

Information

• Concept Note
• Draft Programme
• Side Events Schedule (Tentative)

For more information, please visit: https://www.un.org/ecosoc/en/content/ecosoc-youth-forum-2021

Global Youth Survey for the World Youth Report 2021: Improving Youth Wellbeing and Mental Health

The World Youth Report (WYR) is a flagship publication of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD). The Report addresses youth development issues around the world.

General Assembly resolution 58/133, and subsequent biennial resolutions including the most recent General Assembly resolution 74/121, mandate the production of the World Youth Report on a biennial basis. The World Youth Report (WYR) is guided by the World Programme of Action for Youth and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The next World Youth Report will focus on the role of inclusive social policies in improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing. It will bring together new data, insights and lived experience to chart a progressive agenda on the determinants of youth mental health including issues such as housing, education, family and society. Central to this report will be the experiences and perspectives of young people themselves.

We are delighted to launch and share with you the Global Youth Survey for the World Youth Report: Improving Youth Wellbeing and Mental Health: The Role of Inclusive Social Policies, and gather your views on these topics. 

Click here to take the survey and for more information.

Global Online Dialogue on “Navigating uncertainties: An intergenerational dialogue on COVID-19 and youth employment”

Today’s youth face the unique challenge of managing their personal development and transition to adulthood amid more uncertainties than usual. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), COVID-19 has impacted job prospects for the world’s 1.2 billion young people. This demographic – 15 to 24 years old – faced an unemployment rate three times higher than adults before the crisis. However, this situation has not stopped young people from taking concrete actions to support other community members affected by the pandemic, as well as concretely contributing to the pandemic response and recovery.

Society as a whole benefits from young people’s smooth transition to adulthood. Evidence-based inclusive policies supporting young people during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes related to the pandemic’s response and recovery, are essential. In addition, actions to build back better taken by young people themselves need to be recognized, highlighted and supported.

The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) invited young people to an intergenerational dialogue where they shared their concerns about finding jobs in a worsening market and discuss ways forward. The online forum “Navigating uncertainties: An intergenerational dialogue on COVID-19 and youth employment” offered young people an opportunity to discuss the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic during this period of their lives when many things are in flux.

Members of older generations shared their experiences from making the school-to-work transition amid challenging situations of the past. A brainstorm on innovative solutions toward decent employment for youth, and how different generations can work together to ease the school-to-work transition of today’s youth will follow. In this discussion, participants considered:

 How is the pandemic affecting today’s youth employment right now?
 How are youth thinking about their future in the short-, medium- and long-term?
 What actions are young people already taking today to address the employment challenge?
 What are some of the key approaches that should be scaled-up and replicated? How can other generations support these approaches?  How can Member States partner with young people to ensure an optimal response and recovery from the pandemic, especially from a youth employment perspective?
 What are some of the key policy changes that would quickly open doors to young people looking for employment or taking the entrepreneurship path?

Watch video of the event below:

https://youtu.be/vEVUE40NUtE