Mobilizing efforts for youth-led SDGs acceleration and a just transition in South Africa

Pretoria, South Africa: The United Nations in South Africa, in collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and various partners, commemorated the International Youth Day in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. This year's theme, "Green Skills for Youth: Towards A Sustainable World" highlights the critical role young people play in driving sustainable development through green skills and just transitions as we work to embrace a more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-friendly future.

International Youth Day, designated by the UN on the 12 August annually, recognizes and commemorates the significant contributions and innovative ideas of young people worldwide.

In his 2023 International Youth Day message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the irrefutable role of youth in global progress saying “humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contributions of youth everywhere. Today and every day, let’s support and stand with young people in shaping a just and sustainable world, for people and planet.” Mr. Guterres called for collective backing for young individuals in their efforts to create a fair and environmentally sound world and continued support and solidarity to empower youth in shaping a better future for both society and the planet.

In a recorded message, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, reminded the gathering that Africa is the most youthful continent and called for continued mobilization of partnership to realize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The climate crisis threatens our existence and the youth remain our beacon of hope for the future, she said.

The UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, underpinned the importance of empowering youth and their non-negotiable role in fostering sustainable development and creating a more equitable future for all. “We must, and we have no choice about this, co-create and collectively design solutions to address the challenges facing South Africa – you must be part of this journey to ensure social, economic and climate justice, and peace and prosperity for all,” he added.

Speaking on the panel, the member of parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Nompendulo Thobile Mkhatshwa, urged young people to continuously engage community leaders and ensure they are held to account.

The almost one hundred young people in attendance shared insights on some of their challenges and limitations that impede their progress and development. These included access to funding opportunities, exclusion from programme benefits due to insufficient prior job experience, and obstacles stemming from school dropouts and inadequate education quality.

The Managing Director of Youth Lab and NYDA Board Member, Pearl Pillay, affirmed that the event held in Alexandra township signifies a step toward comprehending the necessity for impactful implementation of the SDGs within South African communities. She also stressed that policy interventions should account for community perspectives, ensuring open dialogues at community level.

Dr. Pulane Molokwane, a nuclear physicist and a member of the National Planning Commission, commended the UN for providing a platform for youth to learn about just transitions and the importance of green skills amid challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, and social injustice confronting South African youth.

The UN in South Africa used occasion to introduce the SDGs Youth Advocates programme which aims to raise awareness and foster commitments by individuals from diverse communities to expedite the implementation of the global goals.

The face-to-face interactive session in Alexandra township brought together young people, UN agencies, and key partners for discussions, quizzes, and dialogues centred around just transitions, green skills, and the role of youth in building a sustainable world.

_________________________

For more information, please contact Eunice Namugwe, UN South Africa, at namugwe@un.org, +27 71 6828310.

See event photos here: International Youth Day 2023 | United Nations in South Africa