International Youth Day 2024: From Clicks to Progress — Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development
Every year, on August 12th, the world comes together to celebrate International Youth Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the voices, actions, and contributions of young people around the globe.
The theme for International Youth Day 2024, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” underscores the transformative potential of digital tools and platforms. It highlights how these tools, when wielded by the youth, can be a driving force for positive change and sustainable development.
Understanding the Theme: From Clicks to Progress
“From Clicks to Progress” is a powerful metaphor for the digital era. Every click represents an action — a like, a share, a comment, a purchase, or a search query. When aggregated, these seemingly small actions can influence opinions, drive trends, and even alter the course of events globally.
But the theme goes beyond just recognizing the power of clicks. It challenges ‘we’ young people to convert these clicks into progress — a forward movement toward sustainable development.
This concept aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasizes the need for inclusive and sustainable growth, reduced inequalities, and the preservation of our planet.
The Role of Youth in the Digital Age
In the digital age, youth are not just passive consumers, but active agents of change. With unprecedented access to information, communication, and innovation, they have the power to shape the future.
The challenge lies in how we choose to use these tools.
The digital world is a double-edged sword. While it offers opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, activism, and collaboration, it also presents risks such as misinformation, digital addiction, and the perpetuation of inequalities. Therefore, the role of youth is not just to engage with digital technologies, but to do so in ways that drive positive and sustainable outcomes.
The Power of a Click
The click of a button has become a symbol of the digital age. Whether it’s liking a post, sharing a tweet, or signing an online petition, each click has the potential to influence opinions, spread information, and spark movements.
This realization should make you feel the power of your actions. But the real question is: How can these clicks go beyond the screen and make a real difference in the world?
Let’s start by understanding what “sustainable development” means.
It’s about creating a future where the needs of today are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This includes tackling issues like climate change, poverty, and inequality.
With technology at our fingertips, today’s youths have a unique opportunity to contribute to this vision.
From Clicks to Awareness
Awareness is the first step towards progress. The internet is a vast information resource, and with a simple click, young people can educate themselves about global issues.
Websites, social media platforms, and online communities provide endless opportunities to learn and share knowledge.
For example, Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist, used her social media platforms to raise awareness about climate change. Her tweets, posts, and videos reached millions, inspiring a global youth movement called Fridays for Future. What started as a simple click to post her thoughts on Twitter grew into a worldwide campaign, showing how online activity can lead to global awareness.
From Awareness to Advocacy
Once aware of an issue, the next step is advocacy — speaking up and encouraging others to take action. Advocacy in the digital age doesn’t require large gatherings or physical protests. It can begin with a tweet, a blog post, or a YouTube video.
A strong example of this is Tunde Onakoya’s “Chess in Slums” initiative. Tunde started by sharing stories about disadvantaged children in Nigerian slums on Twitter. His advocacy for using chess as a tool for education and empowerment gained massive support online. What started as simple tweets about his work in the slums evolved into a movement that has provided education, mentorship, and hopes to hundreds of children. Tunde’s work shows how online advocacy can transform lives and communities.
From Advocacy to Action
The most critical step is turning advocacy into tangible action. Digital tools offer countless ways for young people to get involved in sustainable development projects, whether by volunteering, fundraising, or starting their own initiatives.
One example is the organization “Charity: Water,” founded by Scott Harrison. Using social media and online platforms, Scott and his team raised millions of dollars to provide clean water to communities in need.
Young people around the world joined the cause, organizing online fundraisers and spreading the word through social media. What started as clicks on a crowdfunding page turned into clean water for millions.
Steps to Turn Clicks into Progress in 2024
-Educate Yourself and Others:
Knowledge is power. The first step to turning clicks into progress is understanding the issues that matter. Educating yourself on climate change, gender equality, or poverty reduction is crucial.
Use digital tools like online courses, webinars, and podcasts to deepen your understanding. To amplify its impact, share this knowledge with your peers through blogs, social media posts, and discussion groups.
-Support and Promote Sustainable Businesses:
One of the most direct ways to turn your clicks into progress is by supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability. Look for companies that use eco-friendly practices, support fair trade, or are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Promote these businesses through your social media channels, encouraging others to make responsible consumer choices.
-Engage in Digital Activism:
Digital activism is a powerful tool for change. Use your online presence to advocate for causes you believe in.
Whether you sign petitions, join online campaigns, or raise awareness about social issues, your digital voice can make a difference. However, it’s essential to ensure that your activism is informed, respectful, and constructive.
-Develop Digital Skills:
In the digital age, skills like coding, digital marketing, and data analysis are invaluable. These skills not only open up career opportunities but also enable you to create solutions for the challenges we face today.
For instance, coding skills can help you develop apps that address social issues, while digital marketing can amplify the reach of important campaigns. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to build these skills.
-Create and Share Content with Purpose:
Content creation is at the heart of the digital revolution. Whether it’s a blog post, a video, or a podcast, the content you create has the power to influence others. Focus on creating content that educates, inspires, and drives action.
For example, you could start a blog dedicated to sustainable living tips or create videos highlighting the work of local NGOs. By sharing content with purpose, you contribute to a culture of progress.
-Collaborate and Network:
Collaboration is key to sustainable development. Use digital platforms to connect with like-minded individuals, organizations, and communities. Participate in online forums, join virtual events, and engage with influencers driving change. Networking can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and the collective advancement of important causes.
-Practice Digital Responsibility:
The internet is a powerful tool, but it must be used responsibly. Be mindful of the information you consume and share.
Avoid spreading misinformation, respect privacy, and be aware of the digital footprint you leave behind. Digital responsibility also means being aware of the environmental impact of our online activities, such as excessive data usage and e-waste, and taking steps to minimize it.
-Innovate for Good:
Innovation is at the core of progress. Young people are known for their creativity and willingness to challenge the status quo. Use your skills and knowledge to develop innovative solutions to our world’s challenges.
Whether it’s an app that promotes recycling, a platform that connects volunteers with NGOs, or a startup that provides clean energy solutions, your innovations can drive sustainable development.
-Participate in Policy Discussions:
Youth participation in policy discussions is crucial for creating an inclusive and sustainable future. Use digital platforms to engage with policymakers, share your views, and advocate for change. Online petitions, social media campaigns, and virtual town halls are all effective ways to make your voice heard. By participating in policy discussions, you can help shape the decisions that will affect your future.
-Support and Participate in Global Youth Initiatives:
There are numerous global initiatives aimed at empowering young people to drive sustainable development. For instance, the United Nations Youth 2030 strategy empowers young people to realize their potential as change agents. Get involved in such initiatives by participating in events, contributing to discussions, and collaborating with other young leaders. These initiatives provide platforms for learning, networking, and making a real impact on global issues.
Youth-Led Digital Initiatives for Sustainable Development
Young people in Africa, particularly Nigeria, are leading digital initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.
Here are some notable examples:
- Ilorin Global Shapers Community:
Part of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, the Ilorin hub focuses on addressing local challenges through digital engagement and community-driven projects.
The youth-led group uses social media to mobilize volunteers, raise awareness about social issues, and execute projects ranging from health campaigns to educational workshops.
By leveraging digital tools, they are making significant strides in local sustainable development.
2. Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative:
Founded by Abideen Olasupo, the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) is a youth-led organization in Nigeria that focuses on civic engagement, education, and sustainable development.
BBYDI uses digital platforms to advocate for youth participation in governance, provide online civic education, and mobilize volunteers for community development projects. Their initiatives have reached thousands of young Nigerians, empowering them to take action and contribute to national development.
3. Chess in Slums:
Tunde Onakoya’s “Chess in Slums” initiative uses the game of chess as a tool for education and empowerment among disadvantaged children in Nigerian slums.
The project gained traction through social media, where Tunde shared stories of the children he worked with. The online community rallied behind the cause, providing funds and resources that have transformed the lives of many young Nigerians.
The initiative has not only taught chess but has also opened up educational opportunities for children in underserved communities.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the digital world offers endless opportunities, it also comes with challenges. Misinformation, digital divides, and online harassment are just a few of the issues young people face in their digital activism. It’s essential to be aware of these challenges and find ways to overcome them.
For instance, digital literacy programs can help youth identify credible sources of information and avoid falling for fake news. Initiatives like #TechForGood encourage positive online behavior and the use of technology for social impact.
By addressing these challenges, young people can create a safer and more effective digital environment for their activism.
Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge
In conclusion, International Youth Day 2024’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” inspires and challenges young people to use digital tools to drive meaningful, lasting change.
The journey from clicks to progress is not always straightforward, but it is achievable. It requires a combination of education, responsibility, innovation, and collaboration.
By taking these steps, young people like you and I can ensure that our digital engagement contributes to a more sustainable and equitable world.
As we celebrate International Youth Day 2024, let us remember that every click has the potential to be a step toward progress. The future is in our hands — let’s click wisely and lead the way to sustainable development.
