International Youth Day giving the youth a voice to close gaps in disparities

The present generation of young people, unlike its predecessors, lives in an increasingly globalizing world that is being transformed by a wide range of technological innovations.

Despite these major developments, it is a world that still faces deep socio-economic disparities across various regions.

Read: Will Africa Reap a Demographic Growth Dividend from its Young Population? 

A major goal of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO pertains to media education and youth development. Over the last couple of years, numerous programmes and projects have been developed to explore youth involvement in media.

As the world marks the International Youth Day 2016 is whose theme is, “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production” leaders and policy makers need to support the United Nation in increasing resource efficiency and moving toward sustainable production to contribute significantly to meeting the basic needs of all people, including youth, by making food, water and energy more accessible and affordable to those living in poverty. 

Although, journalists and scholars have been talking about the emergence of youth media cultures around the world, young people are increasingly being excluded from participation in media.

It is in this context, participation becomes a key notion that needs to be nurtured. Youth participation in media is a key strategy that needs to be strengthened at various levels – local, regional, national, and international.

As a result, young people, working with a range of media materials, will produce innovative content through dialogue and discussions. This has been exemplified with the digital revolution. Youth across the globe are harnessing it to change their lives and the way they do things.

Read:

•  Is Social Media a Threat to Freedom of Expression in Kenya?
• The Power of Social Media in Kenya’s Travel Industry 

The UN mission statement for this year reads: “The development and promotion of individual choices and actions that increase the eco-efficiency of consumption of all and minimise waste and pollution is critical to achieving equitable socioeconomic development.

“Yet, many young men and women face barriers to certain green consumption choices. Those barriers to sustainable consumption choices include the high prices of goods and services and a lack of information about the available choices.

“By focusing on the social development dimensions of sustainable consumption and production, this year’s theme emphasises a cross-sectoral approach to sustainability and the social, political, economic and environmental inter-linkages needed to achieve it.”

Read

• Kenyan Youth Not Ready to Give Up ‘Fun’ for a Better Life
• Youth and Unemployment in Kenya
• National Youth Employment Authority to be Set Up Following Passing of Employment Bill
• Kenyan Youth Ready To get Rich through Tax Evasion -Survey

On the other hand, Youth have to make sure they involve themselves in policy making platforms for their views to be heard and included. They have to follow up and make sure implementation takes place in accordance to the budget. If youths’ demands are given a considerable attention, they will in any way bring about desired socio-political transformation.

This serves as a wakeup call that, the acquisition of media-making, knowledge and skills, embedded in the lived experience of young people, offers unique perspectives, a vision and a voice that need to be examined to understand youth participation in media.

As a result, we mark a great day to curve a niche for us youth. We hold on to the hope to achieve that change to which we look forward every day. The realities of the problems that face our country have solutions and or can be improved. Investing our energy to reach a point where we can all listen and concentrate on achieving our common goals as Kenyans. Have a happy youth day!!

In 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the General Assembly declared August 12 International Youth Day, which gives an opportunity to celebrate young peoples’ views and initiatives. Celebrations at the United Nations Headquarters and around the world will recognize the importance of youth efforts, collaboration and participation in the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and in particular the role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production.