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The UN Secretary-General António Guterres yesterday highlighted that although everyone has been enduring the devastating effects posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic, young people were hardest-hit and the impact has been heartbreaking.
He communicated this in a video message to the World Youth Forum in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt as he encouraged participants to speak out and make concerted efforts in building a better world after the crisis, in line with the conference’s theme.
“Building a better future starts today. So, to the young people attending this forum, keep speaking out. Keep identifying the solutions and actions we need to recover,” Guterres said.
Underscoring the disturbing Covid-19 impacts on young people scattered around the world which include limited access to services such as health care and counselling that were continuing to dwindle during a challenging period for mental health, the UN chief called on everyone, especially youths, to join hands and bring total change.
More than 1.6 billion, have had their education disrupted, while unemployment in their ranks has grown.
“In the streets, and online, they’re calling for change — demanding equality, peace, justice, and action on the climate crisis. They’re supporting one another – in their neighbourhoods and on social media. And through events like this one, they’re providing ideas and solutions on how communities can rebuild, and emerge stronger from the pandemic,” the Secretary-General said.
He also called upon leaders and policymakers in attendance to work unanimously in supporting young people’s ideas.
“As you look to recovery, look to young people. Young people are an incredible source of ideas and innovative solutions. Their needs must come first in policy and investment discussions.”
Guterres stressed that he was expecting to hear positive results of the forum as well as looking forward to working with participants to shape a better future beyond the pandemic.
According to UN News, the forum runs through Thursday and is being held under the theme of “Back Together: The World After COVID-19”, which the UN chief said is a reminder that there is no time to lose.
The World Youth Forum’s key discussions focus on three aspects namely: peace, development, and creativity.
According to the official website, it was first held in Sharm el-Sheikh in November 2017.
The initiative was developed by a group of young Egyptians at the National Youth Conference that April, who proposed the idea of holding a dialogue with counterparts from around the world, according to UN News.
Since then, three sessions have been held, with the last taking place in 2019.