International Youth Day

Today is International Youth Day (IYD) – a day to raise awareness to youth-related issues, celebrate and empower the youth of the world.

Every year a particular theme is associated with IYD. In the past two years, we all faced a common enemy, COVID-19. It affected all areas of our lives, tore apart families and upset everyday routines. According to UN Secretary-General, António Guterres: “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dire need for the kind of transformational change they seek – and young people must be full partners in that effort.” This year’s theme for International Youth Day is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, as the issues connected to human health, the environment, and food systems affected by the global pandemic were highlighted during the 2021 ECOSOC Youth Forum (EYF).

As the UN states :

“With the world’s population expected to increase by 2 billion people in the next 30 years, it has become recognized by numerous stakeholders that simply producing a larger volume of healthier food more sustainably will not ensure human and planetary wellbeing. Other crucial challenges must also be addressed (…) It has been acknowledged that there is a need for inclusive support mechanisms that ensure youth continue to amplify efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems.” (UN.org)

To keep the momentum of EYF, the #YouthLead Innovation Festival will take place on August 12-13, 2021 to further ensure the participation of young people to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative highlights its focus on making sure that youngsters from vulnerable and marginalized communities are also represented and heard during the festival. 

As reported by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) on Nigeria’s food systems, conflict and the COVID-19 situation created supply shocks, which translated into high food prices in the country. Due to the poor macroeconomic conditions recovery and creating access to food will continue to be difficult. Households are already facing major difficulties, however the increase of the food inflation rate casts high pressure on the already struggling households while the unemployment rate is rising and there is a decline in incomes.

Youth Compass Foundation truly believes that young people hold the key to a better future and with the right tutoring, mentoring, and compassion, they are able to create a better world. It is shown now more than ever how much we need fresh and transformational energy. Giving youth the right tools, YCF provides scholarships to young people to pursue their true potential. We focus on providing basic education for all, and support youngsters from local communities so they can improve the quality of life there. If you do believe in our initiative, please donate here, and let’s work together to create a better and safer future for all.