Today Marks The International Day of Youth!
At EFDN we proudly support the International Day of Youth, the recognition of boundless potential of young people as the driving force behind global progress and innovation. The International Youth Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of youth development and to celebrate the energy, creativity, and resilience of youth across the world.
Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development
Digitalization is transforming the world, offering unprecedented opportunities to accelerate sustainable development. Digital technologies, such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence, play a crucial role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The data generated from digital interactions supports evidence-based decision-making. With a profound impact across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70 percent of the 169 SDG targets, potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion.
Young people are leading the way in digital adoption and innovation, with three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022, a rate higher than other age groups. However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income countries and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male counterparts. While there is an urgent need to enhance digital inclusion, youth are largely recognized as “digital natives,” using technology to drive change and create solutions. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues.
By celebrating the digital contributions of youth, further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development can be inspired.
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