Addis Ababa, August 13, 2023 (FBC) – Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres underscored that young people must be equipped with skills and knowledge to shape a cleaner, greener, more climate-resilient future.
The UN chief made the remark in his message on the International Youth Day which was observed on Saturday under the Theme: Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.
The day is annually observed on 12 August and the 2023 edition spotlights green skills and the major role young people will play in driving the much-needed shift towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly mindset.
These include technical knowledge and skills that enable the effective use of green technologies and processes in occupational settings.
“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,” said the Secretary-General in his message.
Humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contributions of youth everywhere, he said stating that “Today and every day, let’s support and stand with young people in shaping a just and sustainable world, for people and planet.”
Guterres further pointed out that across all of today’s challenges, young people are calling for bold and accelerated action, standing in solidarity with the most vulnerable, and designing solutions to ensure social, economic and climate justice, and peace and prosperity for all.
“To expand their participation, I recently launched a policy brief calling for governments to make youth participation the norm, rather than the exception, across decisions and policies around the world.”
Every year, International Youth Day celebrates the determination, ideas and leadership of young people as we pursue a better world, he said.
According to the UN, young climate advocates will tell leaders at a UN summit next month that they are out of options.
Government and big business must work together on ambitious climate action that pushes the world faster towards sustainability and empowers youth with the ‘green skills’ that will secure our future.