"Change Our World": UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Message for International Youth Day

Strategic Insights -

As the world prepares to observe International Youth Day on August 12, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has issued a call to action for young people to "change our world." With more than 1 billion young people facing constraints such as lack of education, freedom, and opportunities, Ki-moon emphasizes the potential of youth to drive positive change. From overthrowing dictatorships to combating sensitive issues like HIV, young people are demonstrating remarkable resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Young people are mobilizing to build a better future, achieving stunning results such as overthrowing dictatorships and promoting waves of hope across regions.
  • Despite constraints, young people are bringing energy, ideas, and courage to complex challenges facing the human family, including human rights, sustainability, and green lifestyles.
  • The international community must continue to work together to expand opportunity horizons for young women and men, and answer their demands for dignity, development, and decent work.
  • Investments in young people will pay great dividends in a better future for all, making it a false economy to fail to invest in youth.
  • Young people have the opportunity to change the world, and Ki-moon encourages them to seize this opportunity.

Statistics:

  • Over 1 billion young people lack education, freedom, and opportunities.
  • Young people have achieved stunning results in the past year, including overturning dictatorships.
  • 12 August is the date of International Youth Day.
  • The International Year of Youth marks a milestone in global advocacy by and for the world's young people.

Sources:

  • The United Nations