Padma Jaiswal IAS at the inaugural session of lecture series at Post Graduate Research and engineering college on the occasion of International Youth Day2024 From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development. Padma Jaiswal IAS while addressing the gathering of engineering graduates at the inaugural lecture series of Post Graduate Research & Engineering Institute at Union Territory of Puducherry requested all the stakeholders to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.
Padma Jaiswal IAS said that The Day gives an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions, and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal, and equitable engagement.Digitalisation is reshaping our world, providing unparalleled opportunities to fast-track sustainable development. Technologies like mobile devices, digital services, and artificial intelligence play a crucial role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The data generated from digital interactions fuels evidence-based decision-making.
Padma Jaiswal IAS elaborated on the theme for this year’s International Youth Day 2024 “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” given by United Nations General Assembly To bring awareness to youth-related issues, celebrate the contributions of young people globally, and empower youth to engage in meaningful social, economic, and political change.
Padma Jaiswal IAS elaborated on the Role of the United Nations on International Youth Day. The United Nations (UN) plays a pivotal role in shaping and promoting International Youth Day. Through its various arms, the UN works with governments to implement policies and frameworks that empower young people, especially in developing regions.The Power of Youth in Shaping the Future as
Young people are agents of change, and International Youth Day recognizes the transformative power of youth in addressing some of the world’s most significant challenges. By highlighting youth achievements and amplifying their voices, IYD encourages meaningful youth participation in areas such as:
Climate activism: Young people are at the forefront of environmental advocacy, pushing for policies and actions to combat climate change.
Technology and Innovation: With the rise of the digital economy, youth are leaders in tech innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital activism.
Social justice movements: Youth-led movements advocating for equality, human rights, and social justice have gained significant momentum in recent years, such as the global #FridaysForFuture movement led by young climate activists.
August 12th has been marked as a day to recognize the importance of youth in the international development agenda and to focus on the challenges and opportunities young people face.On International Youth Day, various events, activities, and campaigns are organised by Government , youth organisations, and other stakeholders. These events include conferences, workshops, cultural performances, and discussions aimed at fostering dialogue and creating opportunities for young people to share their ideas and experiences.
Padma Jaiswal IAS secretary to the Government of UT informed that This annual event provides governments, policymakers, youth organizations, and other stakeholders with a platform to
Highlight the issues affecting young people,Celebrate youth achievements and contributions to society,Advocate for youth participation in policy-making processes.
Padma Jaiswal IAS Secretary to Government of Union Territory mentioned that the theme of International Youth Day 2024
Highlighted the Global Challenges Faced by Youth. IYD serves as a critical moment to address the numerous challenges that today’s youth encounter, such as:
Unemployment: With youth unemployment rates often significantly higher than those of adults, IYD raises awareness of the need for better job creation policies, skill-building initiatives, and vocational training for youth.
Education: Millions of young people lack access to quality education, which limits their potential to break out of poverty and contribute to sustainable development.
Mental Health: Young people are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges. IYD often brings attention to the need for better mental health services and support systems for youth.
Climate Change: Youth are at the forefront of the global climate action movement, and IYD is a platform for recognizing their advocacy and engaging them in solutions for a sustainable future.
Promoting Youth Empowerment and Participation: IYD emphasizes the need for youth participation in leadership and decision-making processes. It fosters:
Civic Engagement: Encouraging young people to be active in their communities and participate in governance, policy-making, and activism.
Leadership Development: Empowering youth with the skills, opportunities, and resources to lead and innovate.
Social Inclusion: Advocating for inclusivity, ensuring that marginalized youth groups—such as those from rural areas, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities—are also heard and empowered.
Padma Jaiswal IAS said that the theme of this year’s youth day is about Aligning with Global Development Agendas. The role of youth is integral to achieving global development goals, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Several SDGs directly relate to issues that affect young people, such as:
Quality Education (SDG 4)
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Climate Action (SDG 13)
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
Through IYD, the international community reiterates the importance of youth engagement in these agendas and supports initiatives that help young people contribute to achieving the SDGs by 2030.
Every year, International Youth Day is celebrated under a specific theme that reflects pressing global issues or concerns affecting young people.
Padma Jaiswal further added that The theme of the Youth International day guide the day’s activities, discussions, campaigns, and events. Themes often highlight the evolving role of youth in tackling global crises, such as environmental sustainability, social justice, and digital transformation.
International Youth Day is Celebrated Globally through Conferences and Workshops.International organizations, governments, and youth-focused NGOs organize conferences, workshops, and summits to promote dialogue and action on youth-related issues.
These events provide opportunities for youth to interact with policymakers, thought leaders, and industry experts on key topics like climate action, mental health, employment, and education.
Youth-Led Initiatives:
Young leaders often organize community projects, social media campaigns, and volunteer programs to raise awareness about issues they care about.
Examples include climate strikes, beach clean-ups, social media advocacy campaigns (using hashtags like #YouthDay), and fundraising drives for educational causes.
Policy Dialogues and Forums:
Various forums are hosted to bridge the gap between youth and policymakers. These forums give young people the opportunity to contribute ideas on policy and governance, helping shape national and international development agendas.
Governments and organizations may hold consultations with youth representatives to gather insights on pressing issues such as mental health, climate change, and digital inclusivity.
Cultural Events:
Some countries organize cultural events like concerts, art exhibitions, and poetry readings, highlighting the creativity and talents of young people.
These events also celebrate youth achievements in various fields, from art and culture to science and innovation.
Global and National Campaigns:
Many organizations run global and national campaigns leading up to and during IYD to mobilize public support for youth-related causes.
These campaigns are often tied to issues such as promoting gender equality, supporting young entrepreneurs, or addressing unemployment and educational disparities.
Padma Jaiswal IAS Secretary to Government of UT Concluded by expressing optimism that the International Youth Day 2024 will once again provide an opportunity to celebrate and empower the world’s youth while addressing the pressing challenges they face. The day will fosters global unity by bringing together young people, governments, and organizations to ensure that youth have a voice and play an active role in building a better future.
