The United Nations commemorates today the International Youth Day, who amounts to over 1.2 billion young men and women between the ages of 15-24. This day provides an opportunity to celebrate young people and to amplify their voices, actions, initiatives, and meaningful participation. In addition to highlighting the importance of their active and equal role in addressing global issues. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health” which stresses on the important and pivotal role of young people in achieving this global aspiration.
COVID-19 affected all segments of the population, with young people playing a key role in the management of this outbreak and the recovery following the outbreak. Though much is still unknown on how the disease affects young people, governments are mandated in the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) to ensure their services meet the needs of young people. In these circumstances, it is important to ensure that youth are heard alongside other community and patient voices in the rollout of health and non-health interventions in response to COVID-19. “Young people are on the frontlines of the struggle to build a better future for all. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dire need for the kind of transformational change they seek – and young people must be full partners in that effort.” – UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.
In Kuwait, the youth population constitutes most of the demographic scene. Thus, youth play an integral role in the advancement of society and proposing innovative solutions to prospected future challenges. During the pandemic, the Kuwaiti youth rose above and exceeded expectations as they were providing vital support to the Government in multiple domains including human health, the environment, and food systems. Dr. Tarek Elshiekh – UN Secretary General Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait stated that “many youth communities in Kuwait voiced their belief that greening empty spaces remains one of the most effective ways to reduce atmospheric CO2, many of these communities initiated their own initiatives in greening their local communities to elevate their lifestyle and livelihood, by growing their organic foods and vegetables throughout the year. this act falls under the core of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and the responsibility for the sustainability of the future generation. these youth communities look into change and its positive impact in educating others on the importance of involving all population in learning and contributing to life on land and responsible production and consumption of foods. Different youth groups are initiating projects of green products that are environment friendly, recycling food waste to use as fertilizers, and greening neighborhoods, these small acts have a large impact on the globe. Kuwait’s efforts have been visible through the series of national dialogues in collaboration with the public, private sectors and youth groups who are invested in improving the food chain supplies leading to their involvement in the United Nations Food Summit 2021”
From her end, Mrs. Hideko Hadzialic – UNDP Resident Representative to the State of Kuwait noted that “Youth constitutes the majority of Kuwaiti national volunteers who worked days and nights during the pandemic to deliver support and food to migrant workers and needed family. GSSCPD, UNDP and UNV jointly developed a volunteer manual to help organizations to support and develop capacity of volunteers and facilitate collaborative management. Youth engagement was distinct during the SME hackathon organized last year to seek innovative ideas to address supply chain challenges during COVID19”
In 1999, General Assembly resolution 54/120 endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers of Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day. Such a day provides an opportunity to celebrate young peoples’ views and initiatives on a global scale.
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