The need for robust investment in young people and youth-led organization coupled up with meaningful inclusion of youth and peer-to-peer learning was the premise of conversations and activities during the International Youth Day commemorations.
Arigatou International – Nairobiconvened a hybrid commemoration that brought together 32 young people in-person (at the SDGs Academy for Children by Arigatou International in Limuru, Kenya) and 25 virtually from 8 countries (Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Pakistan and Serbia). It sought to engage, empower and dialogue with young people around issues of digital pathways, innovation and sustainability.
Bringing the conversation home was a diverse panel of young people who shared comprehensive insights on how digital tools and platforms can be harnessed to promote safety, security and sustainability, while emphasizing for meaningful inclusion and empowerment of young people. This was in line with the days theme – From clicks to progress; youth digital pathways for sustainable development.
“In an increasingly digital world, youth need to use online spaces to create awareness and promote unity, understanding, and appreciation of diversity.” – Zvonimira Jakic, panelist from Bosnia and Herzegovina at the commemorations.
Linking the commemorations to the upcoming Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) Sixth Forum, that’s convened by Arigatou International and hosted by the Interfaith Allaince for Safer Communities, the in-person 32 youth, divided in 3 groups discussed the innovation capability of the sustainable development goals. Each group presented their unique pitch on how to build a safe, secure and sustainable world for their hypothetical Asante village, Anonymous estate, and Jupiter village. These discussions allowed attendees to delve deeper into the concepts of digital safety and sustainability, providing valuable feedback and insights that will help shape conversations at the Forum, whose three main sub-themes are; safe, secure and sustainable world.
“The youth day commemoration gave us the chance to start a much-needed conversation about what a safe, secure, and sustainable world looks like for young people. I believe this event was just the spark we needed to begin figuring out what that world should be and what we need to invest in to make it a reality” emphasized Brian King, a panelist from Kenya at the commemorations. This International Youth Day highlighted the crucial role of youth in shaping a more secure and sustainable future through digital innovation and active participation. By meaningfully engaging young people, we widen the reach of our work and catalyse the urgent need to create a safe, secure and sustainable world.