UNITED NATIONS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for empowering young people and working with them as equals to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In his message on the International Youth Day, observed annually on Aug. 12, the UN chief said achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires "a seismic shift, which can only happen if we empower young people and work with them as equals."
"International Youth Day celebrates the power and potential of young people," Guterres said.
This year's focus is on the pivotal role of youth in harnessing technology to advance sustainable development, he stressed, referring to the theme of this year's International Youth Day: From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.
Guterres noted that around the world, young people "are turning clicks into progress," making the most of digital tools to take on local and global challenges -- from climate change to rising inequalities to the growing mental health crisis.
"That means bridging digital divides, boosting investments in education, critical thinking and information literacy, tackling the gender biases that often dominate the tech industry, and supporting young innovators in expanding digital solutions," he said.
As artificial intelligence reshapes our world, young people must also be front and center in shaping digital policies and institutions, Guterres emphasized, urging leaders to use the Summit of the Future in September to advance youth participation at every level, establish youth consultative bodies, promote intergenerational dialogue and scale up funding opportunities for young people everywhere.
"You can count on the UN Youth Office and the entire UN family to stand with and for young people. Together, let us draw on their energy and ideas to shape a more sustainable future for all," the UN chief said.
The International Youth Day is commemorated every year on Aug. 12, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today's global society. ■
