Youth for Global Action: International Youth Day

International Youth Day

Rome [ENA] Tomorrow’s International Youth Day is an appropriate moment to strengthen inclusive youth engagement for global action to the benefit of comprehensive security amid the challenging times of the COVD-19 pandemic. The theme of International Youth Day 2020, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” highlights the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is improving

national and multilateral institutions and practices, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be considerably enhanced. Unfortunately, Italy displays one of the highest rates of youth unemployment (youth unemployment refers to people of age between 15 and 24) among the 35 member countries of the Organization of Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). Even more troublesome in Italy is the dramatic rise in the number of youth not in employment, education or training, with its impact on social cohesion and fears of a “lost generation” above all in the time of Coronavirus. As the United Nations turns 75, and with only 10 years left to make the 2030 Agenda a reality for all,

trust in public institutions is eroding. At the international level, against the backdrop of an increasingly polarized world, the international system of governance is at present undergoing a crisis of legitimacy and relevance. This crisis is rooted in the need to support the capacity of the international system to act in concert and implement solutions to demanding challenges and threats (examples include some of the worst contemporary conflicts and humanitarian emergencies, such as Syria and Myanmar, as well as global challenges, such as the COVID-19 outbreak and climate change).Underlining the need for concrete steps from governments, parliaments and international organizations to include youth as part of the response to the global

challenges has exceeded expectations. Youth is playing a proactive role in these hard times in enabling rapid responses to emerging challenges; contributing to community service; providing humanitarian assistance; enhancing human, social and economic development, and environmental sustainability.” “Youth’s already boosted role as agents of change should advance the impact of their actions in strengthening democracy, further respecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, protecting the environment, combating climate change, fighting poverty, and offering equal opportunities. Their engagement is essential to a culture of dialogue, justice, peaceful co-existence, trust and reconciliation, thereby building stability,”

Seferi added. She called on the participating States and the OSCE community as a whole to maximize efforts in promoting an inclusive spirit of decision-making whilst considering youth empowerment an investment in the next generation of leaders. Seferi added: “OSCE participating States should make good use of the Organization’s tools in addressing the needs of youth and should recognize the positive role of young people in the OSCE three dimensions of security”. In this regard, she emphasized the work of OSCE field operations in making a difference on the ground and encouraged stronger co-operation between the OSCE and the UN in the field of youth, peace and security.