Today, 12 August 2020, we celebrate the International Youth Day in recognition of the importance of the youth in nation building. This day aims to provide an opportunity to celebrate the youth and ensure their meaningful and equitable engagement in various areas of national development. This year’s theme seeks to focus on youth engagement at the local, national, and global level.

The current Covid-19 pandemic has revealed the powerful voice and active participation of the youth in many important initiatives and issues through their digital and technological savviness. Despite quarantine restrictions, we have witnessed how the young people are able to contribute through organizing and joining volunteer work; leading or taking part in donation drives; and/or utilizing their skills and talent to extend help to those who need it most.

The youth has also been important in disseminating and producing reliable information on Covid-19 through mainstream online methods. Many young individuals have also shared innovative ways to deal with the impact of quarantine out of sheer desire to help. They have also ventured into social enterprise to cope with the economic impact of the pandemic and be able to help at the same time.

The idealism, energy, and enthusiasm of the youth enable them to take action, participate in various initiatives, as well as speak out on pressing issues. Despite their youthful resilience, they have also suffered greatly from the disruptions brought forth by the pandemic. Their education is halted; their future prospects are delayed; and many are pushed further into poverty and compounding vulnerability.

To truly recognize the importance of the youth, we must ensure that we build up their capacity to make their own decisions and to take certain responsibilities that will harness their potential. It is crucial to create safe spaces where they can freely speak, be heard, and actively participate. The youth must be fully engaged in all matters that impact them during this period of health crisis and beyond, towards an inclusive recovery and to ensure their social development.

The youth today are living in challenging times that may not be ideal for their development. Hence, it is all the more important for the government and the society as a whole to create an enabling environment for youth engagement in social, political, and economic processes. This shall prepare them to become well-rounded individuals while also ensuring sustainable policies.

The youth continue to step up to the call of the times. Let us harness their courage by providing them with support, ensure their safe participation, and create an environment where they can thrive and strive for a better future.