CREATING A YOUTHFUL WORLD FOR ALL AGES.

*INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY MESSAGE PRESENTED BY THE SPEAKER INDEPENDENT PAN AFRICAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT JOHANNESBURG HEADQUARTERS*

CREATING A YOUTHFUL WORLD FOR ALL AGES.

World for All Ages
the objective of International Youth Day 2022 is to amplify the message that action is needed across all generations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and leave no one behind. It will also raise awareness on certain barriers to intergenerational solidarity, notably ageism, which impacts young and old persons, while having detrimental effects on society as a whole.

Ageism is an insidious and often an unaddressed issue in health, human rights and development, and has bearings on both older and younger populations around the world. In addition, ageism regularly intersects with other forms of bias (such as racism and sexism) and impacts people in ways that prevent them to reach their full potential and comprehensively contribute to their community.

The Global Report on Ageism launched by the United Nations in March 2021 highlights that despite lack of research, young people continue to report age-related barriers in various spheres of their lives such as employment, political participation, health and justice. The report also identifies intergenerational interventions as one of the three key strategies to address ageism. Intergenerational activities can also lead to a greater sense of social connectedness and strengthen intergenerational solidarity.

Solidarity across generations is key for sustainable development. As we navigate the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to recognize and address these age-related barriers to “build back better” in a manner that leverages all generations’ strengths and knowledge.

In Nigeria for instance, the year after 2022 is election year. We are expected to use our youthfulness to ensure that the best amongst the rest will lead the rest of us.
Wishing all global change makers a fruitful day.

*Ambassador Sixtus* is also the convener of African Indigenous Center For Sustainable Development Goals. A social justice activists. Non violence practitioner, AOP. Indigenous SDGS crusader.
Writing from my indigenous community ATTA.