From Clicks To Change: Empowering Next Generation On Int'l Youth Day

Youth is like a progress map for the development of any nation. Their potential can lead to the direction of growth. According to the UN Report, half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger and this is expected to reach 57 per cent by the end of 2030. Swami Vivekanand guided youth, saying, “Whatever you think, that you will be. If you think yourself weak, weak you will be; if you think yourself strong, strong you will be.”
 
International Youth Day is a mark of celebrating young populations and their role in shaping society. Celebrated annually on 12 August, International Youth Day highlights youth issues globally. The day celebrates their voices, actions and initiatives, emphasising their universal and equitable engagement.

The concept of International Youth Day was introduced at the UN World Youth Forum in Vienna in 1991. It was officially recognised by the UN General Assembly in 1999 and the first celebration occurred on 12 August 12 2000. The theme for 2024 is ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’.
 

Efforts going global
Technology is advancing at an exponential rate, which shows the significance of digital innovations. There is a need to empower youth and communities with the right digital skills, especially among developing countries. About 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline and are unable to benefit from our digital world's fast-paced advancements.

To fulfil the promise of the 2030 agenda towards greener, sustainable and inclusive for all, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Digital Acceleration Agenda. Using real-world examples, this agenda highlights how digital solutions can rapidly advance progress in climate action, education, hunger, poverty and more than 70 per cent of the 169 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Empowering youth through skill development
The Zinc Kaushal Kendra is a skill development initiative funded by Hindustan Zinc. The Kendra operates in Agucha, Raj Samandh, Udaipur and Ajmer, offering vocational training in fields such as assistant electrician, microfinance, security guard and F&B hospitality. By providing career counselling and aligning training with individual strengths through psychometric tests, the programme prepares rural youth for employment. This initiative has already trained over 7107 young individuals with an 84 per cent placement rate, including both employment and self-employment opportunities.

Under the mentorship of the Zinc Foundation, Manisha Sansi, Assistant Branch Manager, RBL Bank, now excels in microfinance, managing group loans for women and handling over 2,000 members across two zones. Yash Rao, Steward, The Lotus County, joined Hindustan Zinc’s skill development programme in F&B hospitality. His perseverance led to a senior position with a significant salary increase, showcasing the value of employment and programme support. Sunil Nath, Branch Sales Manager, Wonder Home Finance, attended a microfinance training camp organised by Zinc Kaushal. With guidance from mentors, he quickly secured a job and rose through various roles to become a branch manager.
 

Digital path forward
Technology is reshaping the channels of communication, connections and commerce around the world. Digital is the solution to our problems. Digital transformation is a journey navigated by each country worldwide at present. Digital innovation can drive new ways of working, thinking and financing to deliver the global goals.

According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a seismic shift, which can only happen if we empower young people and work with them as equals.
 

Musharrat Shahin

BW Reporters The author is working as correspondent with BW CIO