International Youth Day
Youth Action Power of Hope:
Building a Sustainable Future
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
August 12, 2024
Distinguished guests, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, greetings to all!
The United Nations General Assembly designated August 12 as “International Youth Day” in 1999. Since 2000, each year focuses on different themes to raise awareness about the issues and challenges faced by youth. It calls on governments, civil society, individuals, and communities worldwide to support youth participation in all levels of operation. The goal is to encourage young people to actively engage in public affairs, explore topics closely related to society, and develop the necessary knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to enable youth to create a new era and promote sustainable development on Earth.
By the end of 2030, it is estimated that young people under the age of 30 will make up 57% of the global population. Understanding demographic changes helps young people enhance their ability to cope with environmental challenges. The great leaps in artificial intelligence, bring opportunities, however, in addition to having necessary skills, it is crucial to maintain physical and mental health and high-quality mental health literacy. This is conducive to effectively building a culture of peace, cultivating responsible and compassionate global citizens, enabling youth to make concrete contributions to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.
The theme for International Youth Day 2024 is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” Young people are leading the application and innovation of digital technology. Statistics show that three-quarters of young people aged 15 to 24 used the internet in 2022, and more than two-thirds of the global population used the internet in 2023. How to use the internet wisely without getting lost is an issue that youth must face squarely.
Today, the prevalence of digital technology and digital platforms offers more opportunities for people to participate in social affairs in digital forms. Encouraging the younger generation to actively participate can not only integrate their viewpoints and promote social progress and innovation but also accelerate the achievement of the 2030 sustainable development goals.
Digital transformation has reshaped society and daily life, and we must be prepared for potential upheavals, such as machines replacing large portions of the workforce, friendly interactions between humans and machines, and the principles of human integrity and ethics, which may be future risks we have to face. People must re-examine the definition of “human development.” In a world full of challenges and changes, the conscience, thinking, actions, awareness, and principles of young people have a critical impact on issues such as the preservation of Earth’s resources, environmental sustainability, and social justice. This is a force that cannot be ignored. Therefore, youth should start from daily life and influence the people and society around them through their good deeds. Through conscientious thinking and active actions, young people can contribute their strength, make good use of the rapid development of new technologies, promote social justice, and build a sustainable society. Guided by conscience, motivated by goodwill, and asserting their power of hope and actions with sincerity, they can create a better tomorrow for the Earth and future generations.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated: “Humanity’s future depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contributions of young people.” Youth are the drivers and changemakers of social development. Valuing young people’s voices and ideas, giving them more development opportunities, encouraging them to create and realize their dreams, actively participate in social, political, and economic activities, and cultivating their leadership skills, personal growth, and social responsibility can inspire them to take responsibility and commit to building a better future together.
Through the promotion of conscience education and a culture of peace, enhancing the self-growth and action strength of youth, we can pay more attention to and support the growth and development of global youth, helping them to be brave, build confidence, and bring more positive energy to society, the nation, and the world. On International Youth Day 2024, let us celebrate together, encourage youth to bravely pursue their dreams with love and conscience, be innovative, unite with each other, practice their power of actions, and strive together to build a better world!
Prayer
With conscience and power of hope, innovation stays, Generations united, in peace we embrace.