AS THE world reaches the halfway point to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, the urgency to accelerate progress is undeniable. Amidst this challenge, young people stand out as a transformative force. With 1.8 billion individuals aged 10 to 24, their potential to drive change and shape a sustainable future has never been more critical. The SDGs, a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations, aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. With less than half of the time remaining, it has become clear that these ambitious targets will not be realised without the active involvement of youth.
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Catalyst for change
THE current generation, comprising 1.8 billion people aged 10 to 24, is the largest in history. And, nearly 90 per cent of them reside in underdeveloped nations. This unprecedented demographic offers immense potential for capturing youthful ideas to advance sustainable development. Youth are not just recipients of the 2030 agenda; they are also active agents of change, brings innovative ideas and fresh perspectives to the table.
Youth participation transcends borders through digital platforms and social media. These tools enable young people to spread awareness about SDG-related issues rapidly and build international coalitions. This exchange of best practices amplifies local activities, scaling them up to global levels.
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Education and empowerment
EDUCATION is a cornerstone for youth engagement in global goals. Integrating sustainable development into educational curricula equips learners with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a sense of global citizenship. For instance, teaching environmental stewardship and sustainable practices can instil lifelong habits that align with the SDGs.
Informal education and skill development programmes also play a vital role, especially for out-of-school youth. Programmes emphasising technical training in green industries and circular economies prepare young people to contribute to a sustainable future while addressing immediate employment needs.
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Innovations and entrepreneurship
YOUTH-DRIVEN entrepreneurial ventures are already producing innovative solutions that address multiple SDGs simultaneously. From apps designed to reduce food waste to renewable energy solutions tailored for rural populations, these initiatives exemplify the potential of young innovators.
Governments and international organisations can support these efforts by establishing funding mechanisms, providing mentorship, and creating platforms to showcase youth-led solutions. Incubators and accelerators focused on SDG-related ventures could nurture the next generation of social entrepreneurs and scientists driving sustainable development.
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Policy and governance
THE voices of young people are essential for the transformative potential of the SDGs to be realised. Youth participation in local governance, national politics and international forums ensures that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of future generations. Structures like youth parliaments, advisory boards and UN youth delegates allow young people to influence decision-making processes directly.
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Climate action and environmental stewardship
YOUTH have emerged as powerful advocates for climate action, organising strikes and promoting awareness. Beyond advocacy, many are actively involved in conservation efforts, tree planting, and building climate-resilient communities. These actions align with SDG 13 (climate action) and other goals related to biodiversity and sustainable resource management.
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Digital engagement
IN TODAY鈥橲 digital age, youth can leverage technology to accelerate progress on these target. Mobile applications can track development efforts, while artificial intelligence models can predict environmental trends. Crowdsourcing platforms and citizen science initiatives further enhance data collection and insights. Bridging the digital divide will ensure that these technological advancements benefit all, amplifying the impact of youth-driven initiatives.
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Challenges and way forward
DESPITE their potential, young people face significant barriers, including limited resources, underrepresentation in decision-making and scepticism from older generations. Governments, civil society and the private sector must address these gaps by fostering mentorship, intergenerational partnerships and resource allocation. Highlighting and celebrating youth contributions can inspire broader participation and sustained engagement.
Youth energy, innovation and commitment are indispensable assets for achieving the SDGs. Empowering young people and ensuring their meaningful participation will unlock their transformative potential. By investing in today鈥檚 youth, we pave the way for a sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.
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Shahriar Nehal is a student of international relations at the University of Chittagong.
