Youth at the Heart of Social Progress

Today, there are 1.2 billion people aged 15 to 24, the largest youth generation in history. Their voices, ideas, and actions are essential to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies.

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) highlighted the crucial supportive roles of young people in its 2019 World Youth Report, titled “Youth and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”  The report underscores that youth are not merely beneficiaries of development policies but are key partners and participants in their implementation.

The importance of including youth in these global conversations is paramount. Throughout history, young people have served as catalysts for change and continue to drive social progress. The UN recognizes youth as agents of change, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are essential to achieving a better future for all. This is why initiatives like the World Programme of Action for Youth and the UN Youth Envoy have been established to ensure their voices are heard and their participation in decision-making is increased.

A powerful example of youth-led action comes from Costa Rica, where the PASSA Youth training was piloted in June 2016. The program mobilized 20 young people from the community of Chacarita to address critical local issues. The youth, aged 12 to 18, collaborated with leaders from their community and the Costa Rican Red Cross.

Through the training, the young participants identified flooding as a major problem in their area, with waste disposal being a key contributor. To tackle this, they organized clean-up activities and designed a mural to raise community awareness. Their efforts went beyond the initial project, as they developed a comprehensive action plan to continue and expand their work, demonstrating the long-term impact of empowering young people.

In conclusion, the engagement of youth is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for the success of global agendas like the Sustainable Development Goals. As the UN continues to advocate for their involvement, stories like the one from Costa Rica serve as a testament to the transformative power of young people when given the opportunity and support to lead. Their creativity, passion, and commitment are vital for creating a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations.

Learn more: Youth | United Nations