Future of the world depends on its young generation

The future of the world in the sustainable development sphere lies with young people, reiterated Rober t Juhkam, Re s i d e n t Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), when he said that the Secretary General (SG) of the United Nations has mentioned that the world’s greatest source is its young people.

He was speaking at the Annual Youth Dialogue 2020 held at the BMICH last week, stressing that UN SG has mentioned that these youth would be involved to take action on gender equality, social justice and human rights.

Mr. Juhkam said: “You, the youth are very much in action and I am inspired by youth passion and determination and you are quite lucky to witness this young girl (Greta Thunberg) from Sweden as she pointed a finger at the leaders that where it matters most is the survivability of the plant earth”.

The event presented awards to the young achievers at this National Youth Dialogue on Innovation, Leadership and Entrepreneurship.

The youth population of the world is at all- time high and the number would increase to 2 billion by 2050. With over a quarter of the Sri Lankan population consisting of youth and with only 10 years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) the way the young people are engaged today would determine the prospects for sustainable development and peace.

The Youth Dialogue is a regional initiative brought together by Youth Co:Lab which was co-created in 2017 by UNDP and the Citi Foundation to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia Pacific region to empower and invest in youth to accelerate the implementation of SDGs through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Ravin Basnayake, Citi Country Director, said that ‘Citi’ while celebrating 40 years in Sri Lanka, is to partner Youth Co:Lab as it showcases their commitment to tap and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of Sri Lankan young people. The initiative, he said has enabled youth to take centre stage in tackling the region’s biggest economic and social challenges.