This year’s theme, “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future”, calls on all stakeholders, governments, institutions, civil society, and the private sector, to not only recognize the role of youth but to actively create pathways for their full and meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
“Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow they are the changemakers of today,”. “We cannot speak of sustainability without including the voices, experiences, and solutions of young people. Their energy, innovation, and commitment are critical to addressing the climate crisis, economic inequality, and social justice.”
Despite growing global challenges, young people continue to mobilize, lead, and innovate across all sectors. However, their contributions are often undervalued, underfunded, and underrepresented in leadership spaces.
“On this International Youth Day, I urge all institutions to move beyond tokenism. Let’s build mechanisms that guarantee youth have real seats at the table, from local councils to international forums.
Call to Action
- Institutional Inclusion, Governments and institutions must integrate youth in policy-making bodies, advisory councils, and oversight committees, particularly on issues affecting their future, climate, education, employment, and governance.
2. Funding Youth-Led Initiatives Adequate resources must be allocated to support grassroots youth-led organizations, particularly those in marginalized and underserved communities.
3. Accountability and Monitoring: Set up transparent mechanisms to track and evaluate youth engagement in national and international processes, ensuring that commitments translate into impact.
“We must co-create the future with young people not just for them. Their leadership is not optional; it is essential.
As the world marks International Youth Day, I reaffirm my commitment to working with my peers and grow together, because sustainable development is impossible without youth at the core.
Africa’s future is in the hands of its youth: Not because they are young but because they are innovative, fearless, and ready. Let’s Rise together and reinvent Africa.
Beleyi Koutchouka Languie, MenEngage Youth-Togo
MenEngage Africa Youth Chair