International Youth Day 2024

Happy International Youth Day !

And a special welcome to our young people in the Pacific. Today is a day when we celebrate your power and potential.

A day that is commemorated every year on 12 August since 2000. 

The first year after our Y2K scare.

Today’s focus is on the important role that young people play in harnessing technology to advance sustainable development. 

Already, young people around the world and in the Pacific are turning clicks into progress. They are making the most of digital tools to take on local and global challenges. Challenges that range from climate change to rising inequalities. 

Last year, we discussed the need for transformational change to help accelerate our Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs - at the SDG Summit in September. This Summit highlighted six key transitions that have catalytic and multiplier effects across the 17 SDGs. One of these was “digital connectivity”. The others were: “food systems”; “energy access and affordability”; “education”; “jobs and social protection”; and, “climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution”.

All six transitions are relevant to the Pacific, but one of them stands out. And that is the “digital connectivity” transition also referred to as “digital transformation”. It stands out as digital connectivity is the only way to bridge the geographical distance between Pacific islands and reduce their isolation. It connects Pacific islanders to the Global Marketplace and allows them to take advantage of e-education, e-health, e-jobs, e-commerce and so much more. One of the key benefits of digital transformation is that it enables educational transformation. One where the most remote children on the most remote islands will be able to receive quality education within the safety of their homes. Children that will be digitally equipped to help shape their future in the Pacific. Young people whose energy and inventiveness we need to build a better future for all in the Pacific. One in which we will find ways to adapt to climate change and make peace with the sea. One in which Pacific islanders will hold on to their traditions and their ancestral locations.

In support of digital transformation in the Pacific, the UN has initiated “Smart Island” programmes in the North and South Pacific that connect remote communities to the Global Marketplace and equip them with the necessary digital skills. These programmes include initiatives such as “Girls in ICT” to ensure that all young people can adapt to new technologies in a safe manner.

Importantly so, the UN is committed to leveraging digital technologies to strengthen our programmes across the Pacific. Our aim is to ensure that the digital revolution benefits all children and young people in the region, leaving no one behind. We strive to harness digital solutions to advance the rights of children and young people. By bridging the digital divide, we're working towards equal opportunities for all young people in the Pacific to access and benefit from digital platforms. One such platform is the UNICEF-supported U-Report. This social messaging tool empowers children, young people, and communities to speak out on issues they care about. It encourages citizen-led development, supports humanitarian emergency responses, and amplifies youth voices globally to create positive change. This U-Report has already engaged over 17,000 young people across the Pacific. Today, we're excited to hear from young people and U-Report CSO implementing partners from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati and FSM about their experiences. Additionally, we're thrilled to announce the launch of U-Report in Fiji, opening new doors for young Fijians to participate meaningfully in creating positive change.

Furthermore, we have been listening to the voices of youth at the SIDS4 Global Children and at the Youth Action Summit. We will continue to do so at the upcoming PIF Leaders Meeting in Tonga, at the CHOGM Meeting in Samoa, and at Pacific Youth Ministries meetings. Your voices have been critical in preparing for the Summit of the Future including a Youth Action Day that will be held in NY next month. This summit will result in a Pact for the Future, a Declaration on Future Generations and a Global Digital Compact. A Global Digital Compact that is expected to outline principles, objectives and actions for advancing an open, free, secure and human-centered digital future for all. A future that is anchored in universal human rights. A future that bridges digital divides. A future that boosts investments in education, critical thinking and information literacy. A future that tackles the gender biases that often dominate the tech industry. A future that supports young innovators in expanding digital solutions. A future that enables the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

As Artificial Intelligence reshapes our world, young people must be front and centre in shaping our digital policies and institutions.

You can count on the UN family in the Pacific to stand with and for young people in shaping a more sustainable future for all.

Happy International Youth Day !