Human Lives Human Rights: On International Youth Day, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that this year’s theme – “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages” – reminds us of “a basic truth” that “we need people of all ages, young and old alike, to join forces to build a better world for all”.
Ageism, bias and discrimination prevent this essential collaboration too often, Mr. Guterres noted.
He said: “When young people are shut out of the decisions being made about their lives, or when older people are denied a chance to be heard, we all lose.”
As the world faces a series of challenges threatening our collective future, “solidarity and collaboration are more essential than ever,” Mr. Guterres said.
Young people need to be supported with massive investments in education and skills-building — “including through next month’s Transforming Education Summit,” said the UN Chief.
“We also need to support gender equality and expanded opportunities for young people to participate in civic and political life”.
The UN chief maintained that it is not enough to just listen to young people, “we need to integrate them into decision-making mechanisms at the local, national and international levels”.
At the same time, he pointed to the importance of ensuring that older generations have access to social protection and opportunities to give back to their communities as well as the ability to share the decades of accumulated experience that they have lived.
“On this important day, let’s join hands across generations to break down barriers, and work as one to achieve a more equitable, just and inclusive world for all people,” concluded the Secretary-General.
