Honiara youths gear up for International Youth Day 2024

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By Telebere News, Youth and Travel Blog

On August 12, 2024, young people in Honiara will observe International Youth Day (IYD), focusing on meaningful dialogues and engagement, highlighting the theme “Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”

This year’s celebration will take a low-profile approach, aiming to empower and educate youth by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to harness digital technologies effectively to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event is organized by the Youth, Sport, and Women Division of the Honiara City Council (HCC) and supported by a dedicated team that includes the Director, Youth Development Officer, and a group of young technical and event planners.

Key partners include Child Fund New Zealand and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs.

A total of 21 Community Youth Groups have been identified to participate in the program, which will allow them to promote the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” while strengthening relationships within their communities.

The IYD 2024 program will consist of two main parts.

The first activity, scheduled for Sunday, August 11, 2024, will involve community visitations. Youth will engage in discussions, and activities centred around the IYD theme during these.

The official program on August 12, 2024, will feature a series of discussions (known as TOKSTORI), a mock debate, and various fun activities designed to engage and inspire the youth.

The objectives of this year’s IYD celebration include raising awareness about sustainable development while promoting youth advocacy and leadership in SDG-related initiatives. The celebration will embrace diversity and inclusivity, highlighting the unique contributions of youth from diverse backgrounds.

According to the United Nations, Digital technologies and data profoundly impact economic, social, and environmental dimensions, contributing to at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets and potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion.

Young people are at the forefront of digital adoption and innovation. In 2022, three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 were using the internet, a higher rate than other age groups.

Despite this, disparities remain, especially in low-income countries and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male peers.

While there is an urgent need to enhance digital inclusion, youth are widely recognized as “digital natives,” leveraging technology to drive change and develop solutions.

As we approach the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, the role of young people in digital innovation is crucial for tackling global challenges.

For this year’s celebration, young people within the Honiara boundary will emphasize creating meaningful opportunities for youth to engage with digital pathways for sustainable development, fostering a generation that is empowered, informed, and ready to contribute to the future of the Solomon Islands.

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