Roughly about 2 decades ago, world youth population was estimated at 1.03 billion – that’s 18% of the world population then in 1995. Of the estimated 1.03 billion, 84% of the young populations were living in developing nations, and it is bound to increase to 89% in 2025 according to UN projections.
The current generations of youth worldwide has been the greatest of its time, with many young people living in war stricken, conflicted areas and facing harsh socio-economic hardships.
And so considering matters of youth, peace and security from a social developmental perspective, this year, the Day recognises that more and more societies around the world are recognising the role of youth as agents of change and critical actors in preventing conflict and building peace.
In celebrating this years’ International Youth Day with the theme ‘Youth Building Peace’, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, called on Governments to work with its young population.
“Governments must work with young people to successfully achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Empowered young men and women can play a critical role in preventing conflicts and ensuring sustainable peace,” stated the UN Secretary General.
