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Role of youth in digital era

Published : Monday, 12 August, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 507
Dr Matiur Rahman
Every year on August 12th, International Youth Day shines a spotlight on the crucial role that young people play in shaping our world and addressing global challenges. In 2024, the theme, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," underscores the transformative power of digital technology in empowering youth to drive sustainable development. As the digital era advances rapidly, it offers unprecedented opportunities for young people to leverage technological innovations to foster progress and build a more sustainable future.

The digital revolution has become a defining feature of our time, reshaping industries, economies, and societies at an unprecedented pace. Central to this transformation are digital technologies such as mobile devices, digital services, and artificial intelligence. These technologies are not just tools, but instrumental in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They have the potential to significantly accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs by providing tools for data collection, analysis, and dissemination, enabling evidence-based decision-making and facilitating the development of impactful strategies and solutions. The potential of digital technology in achieving sustainable development is immense and cannot be overstated.

The digital divide remains a critical issue that must be addressed to ensure that all young people can benefit from digital technology. Bridging this divide requires concerted efforts to enhance digital inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups, by providing access to affordable internet, digital literacy training, and opportunities for meaningful engagement in the digital economy. Empowering young people with the necessary tools and resources to participate in the digital world is essential for fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and promoting social inclusion.

Creating more opportunities for young people to engage in political processes and leadership roles is crucial to bridge this gap. Encouraging youth participation in politics not only enriches the democratic process but also helps address the pressing issues facing younger generations. As the demographic trend continues, integrating the perspectives of young people will be essential in building a sustainable and inclusive future.

“As we approach the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global challenges”

In addition to political engagement, young people drive change through digital innovation and entrepreneurship. The digital economy offers many opportunities for young entrepreneurs to develop new products and services, create jobs, and drive economic growth. By harnessing the power of digital technology, young people can develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. Supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation is crucial for fostering a vibrant and dynamic economy that can adapt to the challenges of the 21st century.

Education and skills development are crucial to empowering young people to thrive digitally. Providing access to quality education and training in digital literacy, coding, and other relevant skills is essential for preparing young people for the jobs of the future. Investing in education and skills development not only equips young people with the tools they need to succeed in the digital economy but also promotes social mobility and inclusion, helping to break the cycle of poverty and inequality.

As we approach the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global challenges. By celebrating and supporting the digital contributions of youth, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development. Empowering young people with the necessary tools and opportunities will enable them to play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

The theme of International Youth Day 2024, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," highlights the potential of digital technology to empower young people to drive meaningful change. It is a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to invest in the digital future of youth, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to harness the power of technology for sustainable development. By working together, we can create a world where all young people have the opportunity to contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

The writer is a researcher and development worker



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