August 12 marks International Youth Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 17, 1999. What exactly does this day mean to you?
International Youth Day’s purpose is apparent in its name. As an annual celebration of young people, the event is an opportunity for young men and women to be empowered, engaged, and most importantly, recognized as partners and beneficiaries.
The global population of youth presently stands at 1.8 billion, the largest generation of young people this world has ever seen. The definition of youth varies by country and by organization. The United Nations considers young people to be between the ages of 15 and 24 for purposes of statistical consistency. However, in some countries like Nepal, a member of the youth population can be up to 40 years old.
Are all these young people empowered, engaged, or even recognized? For this to happen, the conversation on youth has to start with the scope of the issues that young people face on a daily basis. The last year has seen youth emerge in ways that reflect their multifaceted identities.
Here are just a few examples:
- Youth as refugees: Among the 65 million internally displaced persons on the planet, young people have had to face the loss of their families, their education, their homes and, maybe worst of all, their personal development. In a 2015 survey of the Syrian crisis, half of the Syrian youth who were interviewed had witnessed an attack or shooting, more than half had been through a death of a family member and approximately half revealed signs of post-traumatic stress. However, displacement hasn’t stopped these youth. The 2016 Olympic Games, taking place in Brazil, has spotlighted the Refugee Olympic Team, comprised of 10 young athletes who are raising awareness for the millions who have been affected by war, famine and natural disasters. Team Refugees is living proof that young people are defined more than just the label of “refugees,” demonstrating their ability to inspire hope, demonstrate perseverance, and exemplify the best of human strength.
- Youth as political changemakers: In February 2016, the United Arab Emirates welcomed eight new ministers to its government including 22-year old Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and default President of the National Youth Council. In her first few months in office, she has stated her desire for young people to achieve more than she has and affirmed her dedication to listening to the priorities of Emirati youth. Moreover, Al Mazrui has submitted a 100-day action plan focused on the three elements of ‘hope making,’ ‘life making,’ and ‘future making.’ Al Mazrui has demonstrated the power of young people to serve on political platforms and make positive change. In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced plans for the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, to be comprised of Canadian youth aged between 16 and 24. These youth advisors will provide inputs on national issues as well as meet with the Prime Minister in October 2016 and 2017.
- Youth as gamechanging advocates: In Kashmir, young people have taken to the streets and social media as a means to protest. The death of 22-year old rebel leader Burhan Wani has resulted in widespread demonstrations by Kashmiri youth who seek the right of self-determination.
This year’s International Youth Day is called “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production.” As the year of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, youth are being recognized for their contributions to the eradication of extreme poverty through more sustainable consumption and production practices. In addition to aligning with the SDG agenda, this year’s International Youth Day provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the global issues that present great challenges, especially to young people.
The consequences of the #Brexit will weigh heavy on young people in Britain, most of whom voted to stay in the EU. The youth voter turnout shatters misconceptions that young people opposed to the #Brexit should have voted. The #Brexit will result in a transformational shift in British and European identity, affecting the youth who are in school or entering the workforce. As a rough wakeup call for the country, the #Brexit will also affect youth who have benefitted from the privileges offered to an EU member, most notably, freedom of movement. Another issue plaguing the youth of our world will be the upcoming US elections in November. In the heated race for the American presidency, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton will need to listen and respond to the issues that young people care about. From the rising costs of an American education to barriers in the job market to the struggle over reproductive rights to racial sensitivity, the topics that young people grapple with on a daily basis will invariably be affected by the political rhetoric at work in the United States.
Simply put, International Youth Day is a day for pausing and reflecting on the significant role the youth will play in humanity’s future.