The Power of Youth: Making the World a Better Place for Everyone
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are 17 agreements signed by 193 countries in 2015 to transform the world by 2030. Its ultimate goal is to create a better world where sustainability, safety, and equality drive our decisions. In our current economy, the majority are young people. They are known as the most flexible and adaptable generation and are also a major source of innovation and creativity. Their role in a country’s progress and prosperity shows how important it is for them to contribute to sustainable development.
Youth involvement is crucial for a sustainable future, as they bring fresh ideas, motivation, and commitment. They approach problems with a different outlook and creative solutions; having such skills would make their involvement more effective. Plus, they are skilled with digital tools and social media, allowing them to spread awareness and mobilize communities on a global scale. As this generation will face the longest-lasting impacts of today’s decisions, this makes their involvement more effective in solving today’s challenges.
Since there are significant global challenges that impact their future, young people should become involved in the sustainability movement. For instance, there have been serious weather occurrences due to the approximately 1.1°C increase in global temperatures since pre-industrial times; in 2019 alone, 344 natural disasters caused $150 billion in damages. Animal populations have declined by an average of 68% since 1970 as a result of habitat degradation, which is also hurting wildlife. Furthermore, air pollution affects many people’s health, particularly in underprivileged areas, and causes about 7 million early deaths annually.
With a global rate of roughly 13.7% as of 2022, youth unemployment is another issue that makes it more difficult for young people to find employment. Youth may address these urgent issues by becoming involved in the sustainability movement. By joining the sustainability movement, youth can help tackle these pressing issues and work for a healthier and fairer planet for everyone.
How can the youth be involved and what are the outcomes of youth contribution
Youth can be involved in existing youth-led movements or organizations, such as the global youth biodiversity network, which empowers young people to influence biodiversity policies and initiatives. These platforms provide chances for the youth to collaborate and take collective action toward sustainability goals. Another way is by engaging in educational programs that focus on sustainability. They equip young people with the necessary skills. Knowledge and networks effectively contribute to sustainable development.
Increasing the involvement of young people in sustainable development fosters creative ideas and raises awareness of important problems like inequality and climate change. By promoting inclusivity and attending to the needs of excluded groups, their active participation fosters social unity and increases community resilience. Youth engagement also increases accountability in governance, develops intergenerational cooperation, and empowers young leaders. All things considered, their different points of view and abilities have a big influence on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and help create a more sustainable future for everybody.
Young participation in sustainable development is essential to a brighter future. In order to address problems like inequality and climate change, young people provide new perspectives and a strong sense of justice. They create major improvements and reinforce communities by participating in local initiatives and promoting change. In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, it is important that we support the voices of young people. By investing in their involvement, we can create a more sustainable world for everyone.
Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab
Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita
