Happy 2023 International Youth Day!
Today, we celebrate the leadership of youth and the transformative role that they have in securing a greener future for our world.
For young people to fulfil their potential and lead this change, they must be equipped with green skills. They need the knowledge and ability to successfully pursue green jobs, as well as the attitudes and values necessary for sustainable decision-making.
But current trends foreshadow a significant shortage of green skills among youth. By 2030, over 60 per cent of young people, equivalent to 830 million individuals, could still lack the basic skills required to thrive in the green economy. Without proper investments in education and training, our young people will be ill-equipped to navigate this rapidly changing world. As a result, our planet and societies would suffer.
Engaging young people in decision-making processes is essential for achieving a just transition and ensuring that no one is left behind in the shift towards a low-carbon economy. And youth want to be engaged. Many are deeply concerned about the escalating climate crisis, which threatens their well-being and the future of their communities.
As we stand at the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, it is imperative that we advance green skills for youth, promote the creation of decent green jobs, and address inequalities within the green transition.
I invite you to join me in celebrating young people worldwide and advocating for the advancement of green skills.
UN DESA will be commemorating the International Youth Day with the release of a fact sheet and various social media products, as well as hosting a webinar on the 12th of August. Together, let us move forward with young people to create a sustainable future for all.