The United Nations’ (UN) International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12 each year to recognize efforts of the world’s youth in enhancing global society. It also aims to promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities.
This year’s celebration under the theme « Engaging Youth Advance Sustainable Cities and Communities » was held on August 13, 2019 in support of the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA; and CASAD-Benin had the privilege of being invited as a civil society organization that is taking action to impact the SDGs in Benin.
We discuss how we can promote sustainable communities through deeper youth engagement and leadership. With rapid urbanization and a historically large youth population, advancing inclusive sustainable development is a top priority for communities worldwide. Global issues like poverty, climate change, and inequality especially affect youth adversely in both urban and rural areas. The challenges necessitate the participation of civil society and young people in devising a solution and taking action to build sustainable, inclusive, and safe communities for all. We must act now to change our communities.