UNIS/SGSM/1334
12 August 2023
Every year, International Youth Day celebrates the determination, ideas and leadership of young people as we pursue a better world.
Across all of today’s challenges, young people are calling for bold and accelerated action, standing in solidarity with the most vulnerable, and designing solutions to ensure social, economic and climate justice, and peace and prosperity for all. To expand their participation, I recently launched a policy brief calling for governments to make youth participation the norm, rather than the exception, across decisions and policies around the world.
This year’s theme reminds us of the importance of ensuring young people gain and apply skills in the burgeoning green economy. From innovative sustainable technologies and renewable energy, to revolutions in transportation systems and industrial activity, young people must be equipped with skills and knowledge to shape a cleaner, greener, more climate resilient future.
Humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contributions of youth everywhere. Today and every day, let’s support and stand with young people in shaping a just and sustainable world, for people and planet.
***
A new analysis from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released today finds that legal protection of the environment varies widely by country and region in terms of crimes covered and punishments given, and highlights priority areas for consideration to strengthen prevention and curb crimes that affect the environment.
"As we mark this Day for Biological Diversity, let us commit to be Part of the Plan. Let us act urgently to put biodiversity on a path to recovery." — António Guterres
"On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, we celebrate the power of communication tools to change lives for the better." — António Guterres
"On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, I applaud the brave work of LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders fighting to outlaw discrimination and secure equality before the law." — António Guterres