‘We hold so much potential,’ say young as International Year of the Youth is ushered in

Young people gathering at the Commonwealth’s headquarters in London last week issued a clarion call to world leaders on International Youth Day to reject “negative” stereotypes and “look a little deeper” at the capacity of the next generation to help solve society’s problems.

A 60-strong group of teenagers, twenty-year-olds and youth NGO representatives attending the Commonwealth Secretariat at Marlborough House on 12 August 2010 used the day, which heralds the beginning of a new International Year of Youth, to urge powerful adults everywhere to consider their views on everything from climate change and education to reproductive health.

'Good to be young'

“We hold so much potential,” remarked 18-year-old Trinidadian Samantha Khan, one of the winners of the Commonwealth Video Contest, who received her award in a special ceremony that morning.  "Young people are perceived as rebellious, lazy, irresponsible and too loud. But leaders should look a little deeper," she said. 

"We tend to be loud and outspoken because we have a lot to say – we have a lot of energy. We could do so much in the world and so it’s important for world leaders and adults in general to recognise that."

Designated by the United Nations under the theme of 'dialogue and mutual understanding', International Youth Day this year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first International Year of Youth. Over the next twelve months, United Nations and Commonwealth member states are tasked with inspiring their young with ideas of peace, freedom, progress, solidarity and dedication to the goals of progress and development.

Ms Khan, who was a member of the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the association’s Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in November 2009, was joined at the awards ceremony by fellow winners, On the Spot, a band from the Pacific Kingdom of Tonga. The five-piece group gave a live acoustic rendition of their video entry, ‘Good to be young’, in front of the rapt Marlborough House audience.

“In Tonga, it’s traditionally the elders who are the ones who speak,” revealed 18-year-old singer-songwriter Minaira Fifita, who first penned the feel-good tune when she was just 12-years-old. “But nowadays things are changing. We have more youth groups and the youth have more of a chance.”

“It’s good to make the most of life when you are young because you have so many opportunities,” added Emeline Kite, another of the group’s singers, calling on young people around the Commonwealth to stay positive and embrace new experiences. “Live your life! Seriously, be yourself. Everyone will love you for who you are if you just be yourself.”

Malani Wolfgramm, the group’s videographer, said that the group’s trip to London to collect their awards had been “a real awesome experience”, adding: “It’s really amazing that the Commonwealth has opened out their hand to include the voice of the youth in their programmes.”

'Most precious resource on our planet'

As part of the International Youth Day celebrations at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters, a special panel debate was held with representatives of organisations such as the UK Youth Climate Coalition, Global Forum 40, an NGO focused on sexual health, and Arohon, a charity helping to combat poverty in Bangladesh. The day also saw the launch of Y-participate, a global youth-led initiative providing young people with tools for meaningful participation in decisions which affect them.

Kamal Powell, Commonwealth Regional Youth Caucus Chairperson for the Caribbean, addressing the audience at the beginning of the day, claimed that those in power must offer encouragement to young people not just as a “moral obligation” but as a “compelling economic necessity”.

Mr Powell said: “We encourage stakeholders to acknowledge the objectives of the International Year of Youth and work together to ensure the policies and processes are in place to increase investment in youth, to increase participation and partnership and to increase inter-cultural understanding among youth.

"The world needs to see young people as a resource. Young people are the most precious resource on our planet.”

Events scheduled by the United Nations during the International Year of Youth include the World Conference for Youth in Mexico City from 24 to 27 August and the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore from 14 to 26 August. A calendar of events is available on the website http://social.un.org/youthyear/

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement that “in a world in which different peoples and traditions are coming into closer, more frequent contact than ever before, it is crucial that young people learn how to listen intently, empathise with others, acknowledge divergent opinions, and be able to resolve conflicts.”

Key Links:

• Our work: Commonwealth Youth Programme
• Video contest winners announced

Related News:

• YourCommonwealth.org