I always wounder and fascinated by the manifesto line of SDGs “No one left behind” isn’t such a powerful phrase on which i strongly believe that for the SDGs to thrive, young people who are part of the marginalized communities, must not be left behind!
And that is how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) makes most authentic vision of the world which is suppose as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.
Young people have better knowledge regarding mobilizing people and resources to call upon action to bring real transformation. Young people have enormous energy to enforce development agenda into ground reality, with more than half of the world’s population today under the age of 30, and Pakistan have 65% of population consist of youth, that can be play an instrumental role in finding solutions to guarantee sustainability in global policies.
Today’s youth form the generation that has the best chances of ending poverty, stopping climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the past decade, an overall positive trend has positioned young generations at the heart of social change; this wider engagement of young people in global policy is the result of two main factors that have emerged recently: the impact of youth-led movements, which have taken a bigger role in representing their generation; and, simultaneously, a general acknowledgement of youth as a driving force by political institutions and governments. Youth participation in sustainable development is obviously not limited to the use of technology; rather, it heavily depends on how technology is used and for what purposes. Throughout the last ten years, youth-led movements have become more pivotal, with younger generations voicing their concerns about the future.
The role of youth in implementing climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial. Young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a sense of urgency to address the pressing environmental and social challenges we face.
Here are some ways youth can contribute to climate action and the SDGs young people right from the grass root level or their own circles should take part and contributing for awareness and Education, through education campaigns, public events, and social media, they can inform and engage their peers, families, and communities about the urgent need for action.
Advocacy and Activism also a crucial tool that young people like me can use their voices and collective power to advocate for climate-friendly policies and practices. They can organize protests, lobby policymakers, and collaborate with environmental organizations to demand action on climate change and the SDGs.
Young and fresh mind can also bring up new and innovative solutions as young people often bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to complex problems. They can contribute their ideas, skills, and technological expertise to develop and implement sustainable solutions in sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, agriculture, and waste management.
In my view, collaboration and partnerships are major impact while actively engage and collaborate with governments, businesses, NGOs, and international organizations to share ideas, resources, and work together towards common goals. Youth can lead by example and make sustainable lifestyle choices in their daily lives. This includes adopting environmentally friendly habits such as reducing waste, conserving energy and water, eating more plant-based diets, and using sustainable transportation options.
Research oriented and Youth-led initiatives and Innovation make a tangible difference in their communities and we should keep in mind that Pakistan has enormous power in term of youth population that can foster country and nations future.
About Hamza Sheeraz:
He is a young social activist, brilliant student and visionary who serves as an example by influencing others, he thinks, writes and act around SDGS and climate actions. His interest on computer science and he plays cricket as a hobby, lives in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, he can be contacted on hamzasheerazkhan767@gmail.com
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