2024 Theme: "From Clicks to Progress"
August 12, 2024 – This date marks International Youth Day, an occasion dedicated to celebrating the vital contributions of young people in shaping our world and addressing the challenges they face. Observed annually on August 12, this day also serves as a platform for raising awareness about the socio-economic and socio-political issues that impact youth across the globe.
While challenges such as digital divide persist, young people are often considered 'digital natives', being at the forefront of adopting and innovating with new technologies. They form the largest demographic of users and developers shaping digital trends globally. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, youth remain an essential demographic group in leveraging the transformative power of technologies to address global challenges.
In 2024, International Youth Day aims to honor the role of youth in the digital world and foster collaboration to advance sustainable development goals. Through various awareness campaigns, community events, and concerts, the day celebrates how young people can harness digital tools to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Leaving No One Behind in a Digital World
Africa has the lowest implementation of appropriate capacity development aspects with only 25% of citizens having access to basic ICT skills.”
Africa's Mobile Gender Gap: Millions of African women still offline.
Ma'am good afternoon!
Good afternoon!
What's your name?
My name is Luisa!
How old are you?
I am 36 years old.
Why are you using this old model phone?
I'm using this phone, because life is very difficult, I can't buy a digital phone that I would like to have, due to lack of financial resources I only managed to get an old phone like this one.
Have you ever used a digital phone?
I've never used it.
Why?
I don't have the economic empowerment that would allow me to buy a digital phone.
Don't you have someone who can offer you a smartphone?
I don't have. I ask for help to acquire a digital phone.
Would you like to use one?
Yes, I would love to use it.
Do you have a computer?
I don't and have never owned a computer.
And how do you see yourself living in a world so developed in n technology, without a computer and a digital telephone? Don't you feel a little limited?
I feel very limited, I sometimes feel the need to find out about the things that happen around the world but I can't because of the lack of a digital phone and a computer.
OK thank you.
In Africa many regions are difficult to access — it is particularly expensive to set up infrastructure there." The costs are a challenge for most Africans, prices here are thus much higher than in other parts of the world, and especially compared to industrialized countries, mobile internet is many times more expensive than would be appropriate in view of the country's economic power.
What is the digital divide?
The digital divide refers to the gap between those able to benefit from the digital age and those who are not.
There are various types of digital exclusion that exists, we have outlined some below to help you understand the spectrum of where an individual or community may sit within it:
● Internet access refers to those who are able to access the internet by whatever means (including via a smartphone or through a connection in their homes).
● Internet non-users refers to those who have never used the internet or last used it more than 3 months ago.
● Digital skills refer to those skills that are needed to safely and competently use the internet.
There are many reasons why digital exclusion exists reflecting socio-economic inequalities. Some variables being but not limited to:
● Income inequality
● Rural and remote access
● Gender discrimination
● Education
● Housing
● Age
Accelerating Investments in Youth
“Resilient Youth, Resilient Africa”
How can technology improve sustainable production, consumption, and management of resources, reduce pollution creation, and protect biodiversity to create a greener future?
Proposed Solutions:
Developing hybrid learning platforms (web-based apps) and chatbots tailored for out-of-school women, girls, and children with disabilities.
Creating healthy, inclusive digital environments that empower individuals and foster community growth.
Offering non-formal training in rural areas to promote climate justice in alignment with the SDGs.
“Thinking equal, building smart, innovating for change”
WHO ARE WE?
Enhance the capacity to measure, analyze, and act decisively on carbon emissions.
Decrease the volume and demand for materials with the highest waste impact (plastics, electronics, food, textiles) while promoting opportunities for reuse and recycling.
Develop effective and measurable strategies to promote, preserve, and protect biodiversity.
Alleviate global food insecurity through improved distribution methods and sustainable farming practices.
Ensure equitable access to sustainability solutions, education, and employment opportunities.
International Youth Day 2023
Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World
International Youth Day, observed annually on 12 August, shines a spotlight on youth issues and celebrates the potential of young people as key partners in today’s global society.
The theme for International Youth Day 2023, "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World," underscores the critical need to equip young people with the skills necessary to help shape a sustainable future.
Interviewer: Hello, and Happy International Youth Day!
Joana: Hello! I'm Joana, 22 years old, and today we’re discussing green business.
Interviewer: Good afternoon, Joana!
Joana: Good afternoon.
Interviewer: Are you involved in the green business?
Joana: Yes, I am. My mom and I run a plant-selling business.
Interviewer: That’s great! Can you tell us more about your business? How do you sell the plants, who are your customers, and what are the prices like?
Joana: Sure! Many of our customers are Chinese businessmen and emigrants. When they visit us, they pick out the plants they like, and we discuss the price. We typically sell each plant for 2000 to 3000 kwanzas. If a customer asks for a discount, we negotiate and can lower the price to 2000 kz for a plant that’s originally priced at 3000 kz.
We take care of the plants by washing, watering, decorating, and packaging them nicely before selling them. Our customers appreciate this effort and often return because they’re satisfied with the service.
Interviewer: Do you also sell plants door-to-door in your neighborhood?
Joana: Yes, we do! Our neighbors frequently come to our door to buy plants. When they’re looking for a specific plant, they tell us the name, and my mom checks if we have it in the yard. If we do, we quote a price of 3000 kz, but if that’s too high for the customer, we can offer a discount down to 2000 kz.
Interviewer: Is this business profitable and sustainable?
Joana: Absolutely! The plant business is very profitable and sustainable. There’s a good margin of profit.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to young people who might not be interested in selling?
Joana: My advice is simple: if I, as a young person, can sell plants to make a living in this challenging world, so can you! Don’t just stand by waiting for your dream job to fall into your lap. Life is tough, and you can’t afford to do nothing.
Be proactive, like me, and start selling something. Selling plants is a great green business—it’s beautiful, profitable, and it can make your home look lovely.
Interviewer: Thank you, Joana.
Joana: You’re welcome! Bye, take care!
A Brief History
International Youth Day was established by the United Nations in 1999 following a proposal from the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, which took place in Lisbon on December 17, 1999. The first celebration occurred on August 12, 2000, and since then, the day has been used to educate the public and advocate for youth-related issues.
The United Nations General Assembly began its efforts to engage and inspire young people in 1965 by promoting values such as peace, respect for others, and intercultural understanding.
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