Statement on the Occasion of International Youth Day” On August 12th of each year, the world and Yemen celebrate International Youth Day. This serves as an authentic expression of the international community’s commitment to supporting youth work and initiatives, amplifying their voices, disseminating their purposeful initiatives, and emphasizing the importance of their involvement in public life, political, economic, and developmental activities.
This year, the theme chosen for International Youth Day is “Generational Solidarity.” It highlights the significance of intergenerational collaboration to achieve sustainable development. Such solidarity bridges the gap between youth and other age groups, allowing for the exchange of experiences and the collective pursuit of sustainable development goals.
As part of the Civil Voices Coalition, we reaffirm the following:
- Our commitment to advocating for youth participation across various aspects of life, leveraging their skills and abilities to achieve sustainable development and contribute to peace-building at national, regional, and international levels.
- We call on all international bodies and organizations to expand activities and interventions that address age-based discrimination. These interventions are crucial for fostering a sense of responsibility and active partnership between youth and their surroundings, strengthening generational solidarity.
- We emphasize that intergenerational solidarity is a key to sustainable development. It should be a fundamental principle guiding interactions among different stakeholders in Yemen, enabling the creation of a sustainable peace environment that meets the aspirations of various segments of Yemeni society.
- Excluding youth and failing to involve them in decision-making processes at various levels in Yemen widens the gap between humanitarian, developmental, and peace-building pathways. Recognizing the context of peacebuilding and development in Yemen is essential.
In conclusion, we extend our congratulations to all young people worldwide on their International Day. Specifically, we commend the efforts of Yemeni youth despite the challenges they face in their development work. Let us continue to emphasize the genuine and effective engagement of Yemeni youth in peacebuilding and development.
Happy International Youth Day!
Issued by: Civil Voices Coalition – Yemen August 12, 2022″
