Political and other leaders need to remember what they do or fail to do will have a positive or negative effective on the younger generation and generations to come. That is why leaders have a major responsibility because most young people take them as models. Thus if leaders indulge in the abuse or misuse of power large scale bribery or corruption, laundering of black money, condoning criminal acts and similar crimes they are responsible for the negative effects it will have on generations to come. Thus government leaders especially—the President, the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and top public officials-- need to be aware that irresponsible behaviuor or criminal activity will cause serious damage to the younger generation, those to come and thereby the country itself. Unfortunately We see this happening to a great degree.

Next month the United Nations marks International Youth Day and national leaders by setting a good example to the youth also need to draw the best talents of the youth in this Hi-tech digital era where there is sky high scope for creative, imaginative and innovative skills. This could be done in a multitude of areas including the breaking down of structures that bring about poverty while making the rich richer and the poor poorer, the vital battle against climate change and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue instead of resorting to war which has created multi-million dollar arms mafias in addition to narcotic drug mafias, human smuggling mafias and other notorious groups.   

More than two decades ago the UN General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth that an International Youth Day be declared. In a statement the UN says the day gives an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions and initiatives, and their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement. The celebration will take the form of a podcast-style discussion that is hosted by youth for youth, together with independently organized celebrations that recognise the importance of youth participation in political, economic and social life and processes.  

The International Youth Day theme is “Youth engagement for global action”. The event seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.  

As the UN turns 76, and with only nine years remaining to make the 2030 Agenda a reality for all, trust in public institutions is eroding. At the international level, against the backdrop of an increasingly polarized world, the international system of governance is currently undergoing a crisis of legitimacy and relevance. In particular, this crisis is rooted in the need to strengthen the capacity of the international system to act in concert and implement solutions to pressing challenges and threats, the world body says.   

Examples include some of the worst contemporary conflicts and humanitarian emergencies, such as Syria and Myanmar, as well as global challenges, such as the COVID-19 outbreak and climate change. Enabling the engagement of youth in formal political mechanisms does increase the fairness of political processes by reducing democratic deficits, contributes to better and more sustainable policies, and also has symbolic importance that can further contribute to restore trust in public institutions, especially among youth. Moreover, the vast majority of challenges humanity currently faces, such as the COVID-19 outbreak and climate change require concerted global action and the meaningful engagement and participation of young people to be addressed effectively.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in severe economic and social impacts around the world. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions the pandemic has caused. Young people will form a key element in an inclusive recovery and the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) during this Decade of Action. COVID-19 affects all segments of the population, with young people playing a key role in the management of this outbreak and the recovery following the outbreak. Though much is still unknown on how the disease affects young people, governments are mandated in the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) to ensure their services meet the needs of young people. In these circumstances, it is important to ensure that youth are heard alongside other community and patient voices in the rollout of health and non-health interventions in response to COVID-19.  

To the youth of Sri Lanka and others we would like to, inspire them by quoting what one of the world’s greatest statesman Nelson Mandela said ,”Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”