Despite almost every nation grappling with its own challenges, there is a global push for diversity, equity, and inclusion for everyone – regardless of race or ethnicity. At the core of this thrust are common topics and pervasive societal issues ranging from climate change to social justice, health disparities, food insecurity, unemployment, equitable access to technology, and a clean and safe environment. However, these debates are no longer limited by age or the domain of a few, as is evidenced in the popular triumvirate: Baby boomers, Gen-Xers, and Millennials. Therefore, the theme for this year’s International Youth Day – Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages – within the context of achieving the sustainable development goals, is quite appropriate and urgently requires ‘all hands on deck’.
UNESCO International Youth Day