FORUM: “Youth Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development." International Youth Day 2024. Digitalization is transforming our world, offering unprecedented opportunities to accelerate sustainable development. Digital technologies such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data generated from digital interactions supports evidence-based decision-making. With profound impact across economic, social and environmental dimensions, digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets while potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion. Young people are leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation, with three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022, a rate higher than other age groups. However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income countries and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male counterparts. While there is an urgent need to enhance digital inclusion, youth are largely recognized as “digital natives,” using technology to drive change and create solutions. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues.The Youth Unit Programme encourages youth around the world to organize activities to raise awareness about the situation of youth in their country. Young people worldwide are agents of change, playing a key role in the achievement of the #GlobalGoals. On this Day, join us in celebrating the determination, ideas and leadership of young people as we pursue a better world. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #12August, #InternationalYouthDay, #Youthday, #Youthlead.
EVENTS: On August 12th at 9:00 (EST) from the UNHQ, New York; The Virtual celebration of the International Youth Day 2024 will be held. This year, the theme is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” focusing on how young people drive digital technologies to advance progress toward achieving the SDGs. For this occasion, the UN DESA is partnering with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN-Habitat and the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The official commemoration will take the form of a series of digital products, including case study infographics showcasing youth digital solutions for SDG acceleration. By celebrating the digital contributions of youth, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development. The theme highlights the key connection between digitalization and accelerating SDG progress, emphasizing the pivotal role of young people in this transformative process. Specifically, it aims to: 1. Explore the instrumental role of technologies and data in accelerating efforts towards achieving SDGs, including the role of young people in advancing digital transition. 2. Showcase diverse youth-led and focused digital solutions and innovations at the global and national levels that contribute to sustainable development. 3. Provide a knowledge base for stakeholders, such as youth, civil society, and national governments as well as relevant UN agencies, to access data and insights on the topics. Read the concept note!
To commemorate the day, the Department of Economic and Social affairs (DESA) will organize a global webinar in collaboration with the United Nations Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth at International Labour Organization and Generation Unlimited to in celebrate the innovative digital solution by and for youth and their contributions to a sustainable future.
Open Call for Entry: Seize the opportunity to have your youth digital initiatives featured in the official International Youth Day 2024 product! Submit your innovative projects and contribute to showcasing the impactful role of young people in driving digital solutions for sustainable development; We invite you to submit your youth-led or youth-focused digital solutions that address the SDGs. Selected initiatives will be featured in the UN's official International Youth Day 2024 case study infographics and shared across UN communication channels.
Digital: The initiative must leverage digital technology in its implementation, promoting digital access and inclusion. Youth-Focus: The initiative should be led by youth and/or engage young people in its implementation process or outcomes. SDG Alignment: The initiative must address one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals. Impact: The initiative should demonstrate a measurable impact, showcasing positive results. Innovation: The initiative should present an innovative approach, highlighting unique solutions or methods.
We look forward to your entries! Your contributions are invaluable in showcasing the powerful role of young people in driving digital solutions for sustainable development in diverse contexts.
International Youth Day celebrates the power and potential of young people.
This year’s focus is on the pivotal role of youth in harnessing technology to advance sustainable development.
Around the world, young people are turning clicks into progress, making the most of digital tools to take on local and global challenges – from climate change to rising inequalities to the growing mental health crisis.
But achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a seismic shift – which can only happen if we empower young people and work with them as equals.
That means bridging digital divides, boosting investments in education, critical thinking and information literacy, tackling the gender biases that often dominate the tech industry, and supporting young innovators in expanding digital solutions.
As Artificial Intelligence reshapes our world, young people must also be front and centre in shaping digital policies and institutions.
Next month’s Summit of the Future is an opportunity to build global problem-solving mechanisms that are more networked and inclusive. I urge leaders to use the Summit to advance youth participation at every level, establish youth consultative bodies, promote intergenerational dialogue and scale up funding opportunities for young people everywhere.
You can count on the UN Youth Office and the entire UN family to stand with and for young people.
Together, let us draw on their energy and ideas to shape a more sustainable future for all.
António Guterres.
Statement from UN DESA Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua on International Youth Day 2024; August 12th.
Statement by the UN-Habitat on International Youth Day 2024; August 12th.
Statement from the ILO Director General, Gilbert F. Houngbo on International Youth Day 2024; August 12th.
Statement by the UNFPA Executive-Director; Dr. Natalia Kanem’ on International Youth Day 2024; August 12th.
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