WORLD YOUTH DAY
As the deadline for achieving 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, is approaching faster, various reports reveal that the rate at which progress is being made to accomplish 169 targets set out under 17 SDGs is not satisfactory. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015 outlines 17 interconnected goals aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all. The SDGs report 2024 reveals that while progress has been made in reducing global child mortality, preventing HIV infection, access to energy and mobile broadband; it also calls for accelerating action in critical areas undermining progress of SDGs that include climate change, inequalities among and between countries, peace and security.
The report further details the urgent priorities needed for stronger and more effective action to ensure that the deadline of 2030 to end poverty, zero hunger for all protecting the planet and leaving no one behind are achieved. With just five year remaining, current progress falls short of what is required to meet the SDGs and without massive investments and scaled up action the achievement of the SDGs; a blueprint for a more resilient and prosperous world and the roadmap out of current global crises will remain elusive.
The COVID-19 impact, climatic uncertainties, escalating conflicts among different countries has hindered the upward progress. Overall the 2024 Sustainable Development Report (SDR) DEVELOPD BY UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) shows that on average only 16% of the SDG targets are on track to be met globally by 2030 with the remaining 84% showing limited progress or a reversal progress. Stronger and more effective actions are thus needed.
An important path towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and making them all inclusive is through localization of sustainable development. Localization means adopting 17 goals to the local context of each region by taking into account the challenges and opportunities of that region. This is because a ‘one size fits all’ approach does not works effectively.
Every region has its own challenges and realities that have to be done away within that social context and with the resource available in that social system. UN Inter-agency policy briefs on accelerating progress on the 2030 agenda from local to global levels: the critical importance of SDG localization also stressed on the localization approach to unlock the full potential of SDGs. Localization leads to customization through policies and actions that are relevant for each respective place, makes easier monitoring and reporting and results in greater collaboration.
In the present era, youth have emerged as the most potent and dynamic force that have the potential to take the lead in bringing about the much needed and desired transformation in the world. With almost half of the world population being 30 years or more, this segment is also the most educated and some have shown their commitment to change the world for a better. Their meaningful engagement in the developmental process can help create a more just, inclusive and equal society.
Building on this understanding, the SDSN-actively recognizes the value of young people and localization and the World Youth Day celebrated every year on Aug. 12 in this year is celebrated with the theme ‘Accomplishing SDGs through local youth actions’. The theme highlights the unique role of youths in translating global ambitions into community-driven realities. Youths bring with themselves creativity, innovation and empowerment of communities with whom they work. With over 65 per cent of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth engagement is infact a necessity.
As discussed above, keeping in view the importance and the role of youth in shaping modern economies, the United Nations vide its resolution 54/120 endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth at Lisbon (Aug. 8-12) that August 12 be celebrated as International Youth Day all over the globe. Every year the International Youth Day is celebrated with different themes.
Back home, the country has now achieved the unique distinction of having the largest population of youths. It means we have a much large number of working age population and this is described by policy makers and planners as ‘demographic dividend’ for the country. India’s working-age population is now increasing because of rapidly declining birth and death rates. India’s age dependency ratio, the ratio of dependents (children and the elderly) to the working age population (14- to 65-year-olds), is expected to only start rising in 2040, as per UN estimates. This presents a golden opportunity for economic growth.
However, this growth will depend on other factors such as those in the working-age population actually working. The India’s labour force participation rate is declining, especially among rural youth (15 to 29 year olds) and women. This Demographic Dividend has been recognized by economists and policy makers as a potential source of significant strength for national economy provided we are able to equip and continuously upgrade the skills of population working in that age group. The government is also focusing on Youth and their skill development.
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSD&E) and the objective of this Skill Certification Scheme is to enable a large number of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood. In agriculture and allied sectors, government has started many skill oriented trainings aimed at nurturing an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. A large no. of youths have come up with many startups by which they have not only created employment opportunities for themselves but have created many such opportunities for others also.
The World Youth Day gives an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement and around the world recognition of the importance of youth participation in political, economic and social life and processes.
At such a critical time, when the whole world is being threatened by different challenges, the International Youth Day seeks to put the spotlight on youth engagement at the local/community level, at the national level (formulation of laws, policies, and their implementation) and at the global level. It also recognizes young people around the world demonstrating their resilience, collective action and creativity in responding to the various issues faced by the communities all across the globe.
This year the global observance of International Youth Day 2025 is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, in collaboration with the UN-Habitat, a United Nations Human Settlements Programme mandated by UNGA to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities.
(The author writes on agriculture and social issues; can be reached at [email protected])
