INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2023

Dumelang ! Sanibonani ! Molweni ! Lotjhani ! Sawubona ! Ndaa ! Absheni Hola ! Eita Da ! (habari! Bonjour!)

Allow me to acknowledge:

• The large contingent of young people present here today – without whom this day is inconsequential !

• The Secretary of the National Planning Commission, Dr Kefiloe Masiteng and the team from DPME joining us

• Representatives from various government departments, Civil Society Organizations including Women’s Organizations and Youth Organizations

• Our esteemed Panelists and Participants • Members of the UN Country Team present and the wider UN family.

• Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen

Today, the population of our young people is the largest in history - with over 3 billion people under the age of 30. As we commemorate International Youth Day around the theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World” – we do so by also honouring the spirit, innovation, and potential of young people. We cannot afford to be without your voice in our journey of sustainability.

The United Nations recognises the undeniable role you have in shaping a just and sustainable world, for people and planet. As the Triple Planetary Crisis (human-induced climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution-related health impacts) looms large, you – our youth – must have a seat at the table to build a decarbonized, inclusive, and climatefriendly world. In just 5 weeks’ time, heads of States and leaders from around the world will gather at the UN HQ in New York for the SDG Summit.

This summit marks the half-way point to the deadline for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. We cannot enter the new phase of accelerated progress towards the SDGs without you. We have seen around the world the power of the youth as they call for bold and accelerated action. 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.  Today I want to recognize the hundreds of thousands of young people in this country – who despite the challenges facing them – are working toward a more sustainable future. You are the generation to turn this around. To ensure your voices are loud and clear – are heard in the corridors of decision makers. You are already doing exceptional work in your spaces – in your families, your neighbourhood, your school, your community, your country and indeed the world. Do not lose the momentum.

Like Fred Junior, the 12-Year-Old farmer who dreams of feeding South Africa’s children. Like Roemella Shemba, the young entrepreneur promoting peace in his community through fashion - started his own fashion brand to promote peace: #AntiGang. Like Zandi Ndlovu, AKA the black mermaid - a young ocean activist and freediver who represented South Africa proudly by making the ‘global power list’ for women in travel. Like the group of young South Africans taking city planning into their own hands thanks to a unique active citizen community — Young Urbanists.

Like Tiffany Ogbonnaya, Zanele Khwela and Thulile Zikali who are changing the possibilities for fuel – these KZN learners turned Marula nuts into fuel Like Kimberly Taylor, the young woman taking the tech world by storm by inventing new software. You too can make in a change in your spaces! In my short time in South Africa.

I have been amazed at how fast the young people on social are able to turn news and current affairs into thought provoking and witty memes. I am fascinated at how quickly you have embraced the rapidly evolving technologies at your fingertips to record podcasts, video blogs, use social media trends to truly engage on topics that affect your daily lives.

You are confidently contributing to discussions local and global issues and relating them to your lived experiences and challenges and we are ta. As we commemorate “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World” we do so recognize the potential, agency, and contribution of young people in South Africa and around the world. You have an irrefutable role to play in fostering sustainable development and creating a more equitable future for all. You can’t do it on your own, the UN can’t do it on our own, our governments can’t do it on their own. Our collective effort has never been more crucial.

YOU and I and all us in this country are the stewards of this progress, the architects of transformation, and the driving force behind the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has from the onset recognized the importance of engaging young people in achieving global development targets. In the same way the challenges confronting South African youth are interconnected; poverty, inequality, climate change, social injustice – so too the SDGs recognize that development is complex and interlinked process.

Therefore, progress in one goal can have positive effects on other goals. We do not address or challenges individually, but to understand the intricate web that binds them. I don’t want you to just see yourselves as the inheritors of these challenges – but rather the driving force behind to finding innovative solutions. You have the unique opportunity to learn, adapt, and master skills that can drive the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient world.

You are not passive observers of the world's problems but active agents of change through your collective power to influence policies, challenge norms, and create movements that can shape the course of history. We also have a duty as global citizens and to learn, share knowledge, and collaborate across sectors to address the pressing environmental issues we face. Climate action affects poverty eradication, gender equality fuels economic growth, and quality education paves the way for peace and justice.

Every action we take has a ripple effect, reaching far beyond the immediate scope of our initiatives. We must foster a culture of cooperation, dialogue, and innovation to drives the changes necessary for a world where just transitions are not just ideals, but lived realities. You have an important role to play in the development of this almost 30-year democracy. Many of you will be first time voters in the upcoming elections in 2024. The right to vote in South Africa was a hard fought battle. Lives were lost for us to exercise this right.

Participating in the electoral process is not just a civic duty but an opportunity to influence policy, drive change, and ensure a brighter future for yourself and the country at large. There are 14 million unregistered young people in this country. We must change that narrative in order for you to be active participants. That action alone makes you a changemaker – changing the electoral narrative. For the UN family collaboration and partnerships transcends governments and institutions; they must extend to civil society, the private sector, academia, and beyond.

Together, we can leverage our diverse expertise and resources to navigate the complexities of our world and drive meaningful change. We must grab hold of the rapid technological advancement and use it as a catalyst for sustainable development. We can harness technology to amplify our impact, enhance our efficiency, and create solutions that were once unimaginable.

As changemakers, we are the torchbearers of hope, the pioneers of progress, and the advocates for a world where every young person must and can realize their potential. As I close, I want to share a message from our UN Secretary-General…

This year’s theme reminds us of the importance of ensuring young people gain and apply skills in the burgeoning green economy. From innovative sustainable technologies and renewable energy to revolutions in transportation systems and industrial activity, young people must be equipped with skills and knowledge to shape a cleaner, greener, more climate resilient future. 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.

Happy International Youth Day.

Thank you!