International Youth Day stresses youth's role in fulfilling sustainable development goals

A youth event was held in Hanoi on August 12 to celebrate the International Youth Day (August 12), targeting the important role of youngsters in shaping future development and fulfilling sustainable development goals.

Young people affirm their determination towards fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals. (Credit: NDO)

Observed for the first time in Vietnam, the event was co-organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the United Nations in Vietnam under the theme ‘Vietnamese Youth: Partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals’.

Currently, there are around 1.8 billion young people around the world – the highest ever. Vietnam is experiencing a ‘golden population’ period, recording the highest proportion of youth in its history. There are more than 25 million young people aged between 16 and 30 – more than a quarter of the total population.

The event featured a forum offering a chance for opinions and goals of five strong young leaders to be heard, representing the 25 million different voices of young people across the nation. There was also a face-to-face dialogue between the five key speakers and high-level leaders of youth-related ministries and the Youth Union.

As a person with disabilities, Vu Thi Quyen brings to the event her story of difficulties and desire to learn and work, as well as her efforts to overcome difficulties to rise. 9Credit: NDO)

Young leaders shared their experiences in learning for success, as well as knowledge and skills to work in various fields. They also gave comments on building youth development policies and mechanisms to facilitate youngsters in contributing further to sustainable development.

In particular, youth representatives with disabilities and disadvantages who have overcome difficulties to gain success in life shared their stories on what they have done for the community, while expressing their desire to have more opportunities.

Representing government officials, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Trong Thua and Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Trong Dam informed the youth about mechanisms, policies, guidelines and legal documents of the Party and State on youth-related issues.

They responded to questions from the youngsters at the dialogue revolving around the sustainable development objectives of poverty alleviation, education quality, gender equality, economic growth, decent jobs, inequality reduction, and actions in response to climate protection.

(Source: NDO)