Youth not only represent the future of our nations, but they are one of society’s main agents of change and progress for any country. As stated by the Secretary General of United Nations António Guterres, “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a seismic shift – which can only happen if we empower young people and work with them as equals.”

In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation by the World Conference of Ministers of Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that August 12th be declared International Youth Day. Over the past two decades, the annual International Youth Day celebrations have covered a wide array of themes relevant to young people, from food security and mental health to intergenerational solidarity and green skills, highlighting critical connections between youth and sustainable development.

Youth can be a positive force for development when provided with the knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive. Today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years, accounting for 16 percent of the global population. Half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, and this is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030.

This year’s theme for the International Youth Day is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” which is a timely theme with the current context of the world where more focus on digitalisation.

Youth as Digital Generations and Visionaries

Since the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, global internet connectivity has seen remarkable growth, with over two-thirds of the global population using the internet in 2023, and mobile phone subscriptions reaching 8.63 billion in 2022. Notably, internet access in the least developed countries increased from 7% of the population in 2015 to 36% in 2023, while connectivity in high-income and upper-middle-income countries reached 92% and 79%, respectively, and through this digitalisation, young people have higher access to digital technologies compared to other demographic groups. Comparative analysis shows that worldwide, 75%, or three-quarters, of young people aged 15 to 24 used the internet in 2022.

Objectives of 2024 International Youth Day, highlight the key connection between digitalisation and accelerating SDG progress, emphasising the pivotal role of young people in this transformative process. Specifically, it aims to explore the instrumental role of technologies and data accelerating efforts towards achieving SDGs, including the role of young people in advance digital transition and to showcase diverse youth-led focused digital solutions and innovations at the global and national levels that contribute to sustainable development. It also provides a knowledge base for stakeholders, such as youth, civil society and national governments, as well as relevant UN agencies, to access data and insights on the topic.

Marshad Barry holds a MBA from the University of West England and a Diploma in Journalism from the University of Colombo. He was the Youth Service Chairman for the Rotary Club of Colombo North (2006- 2024) amd Past Rotaract District Chairman of Rotary District 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives