File photo used for representation only.
Doha, Qatar: As Qatar joins the rest of the world to celebrate International Youth Day, the importance of youth towards national development and sustainable growth has never been more apparent. First observed in 2000, the Day underscores the need for policies and programmes to support youth development and attend to their particular needs while recognising youth’s creativity and resolve.
Yesterday, the Government Communication Office (GCO) highlighted the strategic role of youth in Qatar’s economic development. In a post on its official channel on the X platform, the GCO showcased two pioneering Qatari youth representing the country in international debate and visual arts.
Moza Khalid Al Hajri, Qatar Debate Ambassador and AlAnoud Al Ghamdi, a Qatari visual artist and calligraphy, praised the country for providing the infrastructure for youth to prosper and be creative. For AlAnoud, the creative industry is a platform to showcase Qatari culture globally. The artist noted that with the provisions of the Qatar National Vision 2030 to boost development, the initiatives by the government have enabled the creative industry to blossom.
Other organisations in Qatar also joined in marking the Day. Education Above All (EAA), in a post on X platform, said, “Empowering Youth for a Greener Future. This International Youth Day celebrates young leaders making a difference with passion. Their commitment to green skills and positive change is a step towards a brighter, greener future. Let’s empower youth for a sustainable.”
Meanwhile, Silatech, an international social development nonprofit NGO that connects youth wherever they are to jobs, also noted that the youth are “architects of a better future.”
“On #YouthDay Silatech reiterates its commitment to provide youth with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to drive positive change in their society & the world,” the organisation posted on the X platform.
The 2023 International Youth Day is being held under the theme Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World. According to the United Nations (UN), shifting towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly world is critical for responding to the global climate crisis and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN added that a successful transition towards a greener world would depend on developing green skills in the population, encompassing knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society.
While these skills are relevant for people of all ages, they have heightened importance for younger people, who can contribute to the green transition for longer.
As per the UN, half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, which is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030.
A 2018 World Youth Report disclosed that there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24, accounting for 16% of the global population.
In a message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted, “This year’s theme reminds us of the importance of ensuring young people gain and apply skills in the burgeoning green economy. From innovative sustainable technologies and renewable energy to revolutions in transportation systems and industrial activity, young people must be equipped with skills and knowledge to shape a cleaner, greener, more climate resilient future.” “
Humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contributions of youth everywhere. Today and every Day, let’s support and stand with young people in shaping a just and sustainable world for people and the planet,” he added.
