Secretary-General Affirms Continued Relevance of United Nations Youth Road Map on 30th Anniversary
Following a significant milestone, the United Nations commemorated the thirtieth anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth in New York. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, represented by Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder, highlighted the achievements and ongoing challenges faced by the youth today. With the largest youth generation in history, young people are at the forefront of climate action, digital innovation, and human rights advocacy. However, they continue to encounter barriers that limit their participation in decision-making processes that impact their lives.
Celebrating Progress and Addressing Challenges
The World Programme of Action for Youth, adopted by the UN General Assembly three decades ago, serves as a vital commitment to prioritize the rights and aspirations of young people. This anniversary is not just a celebration of progress but also a recognition of the unfinished business that lies ahead. Young people today are leading initiatives in various fields, including climate action and technology. Despite their contributions, many face significant obstacles, such as limited access to education, decent employment, and health services. Additionally, political instability and violence often silence their voices, hindering their ability to effect meaningful change.
The Blueprint for Action
The Programme outlines 15 priority areas that remain crucial for youth development, including education, employment, health, and civic participation. These areas serve as a blueprint for action, emphasizing that young people are not merely beneficiaries of policies but are essential drivers of change. The ongoing commitment to these priorities is vital for ensuring that youth can contribute effectively to society. The theme of this year’s commemoration, “Accelerating Global Progress through Intergenerational Collaboration,” underscores the importance of integrating youth perspectives into decision-making processes.
Youth Voices Shaping the Future
In preparation for this anniversary, nearly 75,000 young people from over 180 countries participated in a strategic foresight exercise coordinated by the United Nations Youth Office. Their insights and experiences provide valuable guidance for future actions aimed at addressing the challenges they face. This engagement reflects a broader commitment to youth development, anchored in the Pact for the Future. The Pact’s Working Group on Youth is actively working to mobilize resources, strengthen the UN Youth Fund, and establish principles for meaningful youth engagement.
Institutionalizing Youth Engagement
Across the UN system, various initiatives are being implemented to ensure that youth voices are central to intergovernmental processes. Programs like the UN Youth Delegate Programme, managed by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, are helping to institutionalize youth engagement. This shift from promise to practice is essential as the UN accelerates efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. By empowering young people as equal partners and decision-makers, the UN aims to create a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. The collective efforts of all stakeholders will be crucial in realizing this vision.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
