Youth Day 2024 Theme: From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development
In celebration of International Youth Day 2024, we recognize the pivotal role young people play in driving digital innovation and sustainable development. The theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” underscores the vital connection between digitalization and the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Digital technologies, from mobile devices to artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing our world, offering unparalleled opportunities to advance the SDGs. These technologies impact at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets, potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion. Young people, often seen as “digital natives,” are at the forefront of this transformation, leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation.
Why It Matters
In 2022, three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 used the internet, a rate higher than any other age group. However, challenges such as the digital divide persist, especially in low-income countries and among young women who often have less access to the internet and digital skills. Despite these challenges, youth are driving change, using technology to create solutions that address global issues. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is more critical than ever.
Key Takeaways:
- Youth as Digital Innovators: Young people are leading the way in digital adoption, using technology to drive progress and create solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges.
- Digital Transformation and the SDGs: Digital technologies contribute to at least 70% of the SDG targets, significantly impacting economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: While youth are at the forefront of digital innovation, there is a need to enhance digital inclusion, particularly for young women and those in low-income countries.
- Global Partnerships: UN DESA collaborates with key partners, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UN-Habitat, and the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF), to highlight youth-driven digital solutions for sustainable development.
Next Steps
Join us in celebrating the power of youth and digital innovation on International Youth Day 2024! Explore case studies, interactive quizzes, and social media toolkits designed to amplify the message of this year’s theme. Together, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development.
Did You Know?
- Half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, a figure expected to reach 57% by 2030.
- 67% of people believe in a better future, with 15 to 17-year-olds being the most optimistic.
- The majority agree that the age balance in politics is wrong, with 69% believing that more opportunities for young people in policy development would improve political systems.
- Globally, only 2.6% of parliamentarians are under 30 years old, and less than 1% of these young MPs are women.
For more information, visit the official International Youth Day 2024 page.
Let’s celebrate the youth who are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today.
