Dr Matiur Rahman

International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of young people worldwide and highlighting the challenges they face. In 2024, the theme "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development" emphasizes the pivotal role that digital technology plays in empowering youth to contribute to sustainable development. This theme underscores how the digital era, marked by rapid technological advancements, provides unprecedented opportunities for young people to drive change and build a more sustainable future.

According to the United Nations Digitalization is profoundly reshaping our world, presenting unparalleled opportunities to accelerate sustainable development. At the forefront of this transformation are digital technologies such as mobile devices, digital services, and artificial intelligence, which play a crucial role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The data generated through digital interactions is a vital resource for evidence-based decision-making, facilitating impactful strategies and solutions. These technologies influence economic, social, and environmental dimensions, contributing to at least 70 per cent of the 169 SDG targets and potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion.

A pivotal aspect of this digital revolution is the role of young people, who are leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation. In 2022, three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 were using the internet, a rate higher than any other age group. Despite this progress, significant disparities persist, especially in low-income countries and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male counterparts. This digital divide underscores the urgent need for enhanced digital inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups. Nevertheless, youth are widely recognized as “digital natives,” using technology to drive change and create innovative solutions.

The global demographic landscape is rapidly shifting, with half of the world's population currently aged 30 or younger. This trend is expected to grow, with projections indicating that by the end of 2030, 57% of the global population will be in this age group. Such a significant youthful demographic brings with it both challenges and opportunities, particularly in shaping the future of our societies and political systems.

A recent survey highlights a general sense of optimism about the future, with 67% of people expressing belief in a better tomorrow. Notably, the 15 to 17-year-old age group is the most optimistic, suggesting that the youngest generation holds a particularly positive outlook on what lies ahead.

However, there is widespread agreement that the current age balance in politics is skewed. More than two-thirds (69%) of people across all age groups believe that involving younger people more in policy development and decision-making would lead to better political systems. This sentiment reflects a growing desire for political systems to be more inclusive and representative of the youthful population.

Despite this desire for change, young people remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership. Globally, only 2.6% of parliamentarians are under 30 years old, and among these young MPs, less than 1% are women. This stark disparity underscores the need for systemic changes to empower young people and women in politics, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are heard and considered in shaping the future.

To bridge this gap, it is crucial to create more opportunities for young people to engage in political processes and leadership roles. Encouraging youth participation in politics not only enriches the democratic process but also helps address the pressing issues facing the younger generations. As the demographic trend continues, integrating the perspectives of young people will be essential in building a sustainable and inclusive future.

As we approach the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global challenges. By celebrating and supporting the digital contributions of youth, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development. Empowering young people with the necessary tools and opportunities will enable them to play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

The digital age has transformed how young people learn, communicate, and engage with the world. From social media platforms to online learning tools, digital technologies offer youth a myriad of ways to acquire knowledge, express their ideas, and connect with others. These digital pathways enable them to become informed global citizens who can actively participate in addressing complex global issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. As digital natives, today’s youth possess the skills and creativity needed to harness these technologies for positive social impact.

One of the most significant ways youth leverage digital technology for sustainable development is through social media activism. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become powerful tools for raising awareness about social and environmental issues. Young people use these platforms to share information, mobilize communities, and advocate for change. The viral nature of social media allows their messages to reach a global audience, amplifying their voices and driving collective action. For instance, the global climate strikes led by young activists like Greta Thunberg have demonstrated the power of digital tools in rallying millions to demand urgent action on climate change.

In addition to social media activism, digital technology is opening up new avenues for education and skill development. Online learning platforms and digital resources have made education more accessible, especially for those in remote or underserved areas. Young people can now learn at their own pace and gain skills relevant to the demands of the modern workforce. This democratization of education helps bridge the digital divide and creates opportunities for youth to contribute to sustainable economic growth. By acquiring digital skills, young people can access better job prospects and create innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

Entrepreneurship is another area where youth are using digital pathways to drive sustainable development. The digital economy provides young entrepreneurs with the tools to start businesses that address social and environmental issues. With the internet as a marketplace, young innovators can reach global customers and scale their impact. Initiatives like e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and digital services are transforming traditional industries and creating new opportunities for sustainable business models. By embracing digital entrepreneurship, young people are not only creating jobs for themselves and others but also promoting economic resilience and sustainability.

Furthermore, digital technology is facilitating youth participation in decision-making processes. E-governance platforms and digital forums allow young people to engage with policymakers, share their perspectives, and influence public policies. By participating in digital consultations and online campaigns, youth can hold leaders accountable and advocate for policies that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity. This increased civic engagement ensures that the voices of young people are heard in shaping a sustainable future.

However, realizing the full potential of digital pathways for sustainable development requires addressing certain challenges. The digital divide remains a significant barrier, as not all young people have equal access to technology and the internet. Efforts must be made to provide affordable and reliable internet access, especially in low-income and rural areas. Bridging this gap is crucial to ensuring that all youth can benefit from digital opportunities and contribute to sustainable development.

Moreover, digital literacy is essential for youth to effectively navigate the digital landscape. Equipping young people with the skills to critically evaluate online information, protect their privacy, and engage responsibly in digital spaces is vital. Educational institutions, governments, and organizations should prioritize digital literacy programs to empower youth with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

Cybersecurity and online safety are also important considerations. As young people spend more time online, they are exposed to risks such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and data breaches. Promoting a safe and secure digital environment is essential to protect youth and foster their trust in digital technologies. Initiatives that educate young people about online safety and responsible digital citizenship can help mitigate these risks and create a positive digital culture.

International Youth Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the transformative power of digital technology in shaping a sustainable future. By embracing digital pathways, young people can drive progress and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The theme "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development" highlights the potential of youth to harness technology for positive change and underscores the importance of providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to do so.

The digital age presents young people with unprecedented opportunities to become agents of change and leaders in sustainable development. Through social media activism, online learning, digital entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, youth are paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future. To fully realize this potential, it is essential to address the digital divide, promote digital literacy, and ensure online safety. As we celebrate International Youth Day 2024, let us recognize and support the efforts of young people in leveraging digital pathways to create a better world for themselves and future generations.

The writer is a researcher & development worker