The 2024 World Youth Development Forum kicked off in Beijing on Monday, celebrating International Youth Day with over 2,000 young participants from more than 130 countries and 20 international organizations joining both online and on-site.
The opening ceremony and plenary meeting saw the gathering of more than 500 young leaders and youth representatives, marking a significant start to the event.
In a heartfelt video message, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized that young people are the driving force behind the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She called for increased support for youth development, urging governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector, and civil society to provide the necessary resources and platforms for young voices to be heard.
Mohammed highlighted the importance of protecting the rights and freedoms of young individuals and stressed the need for quality education and skills to empower them. “All sectors of society must create spaces where you can take charge and make a difference for peaceful societies and robust democracies,” she encouraged the young participants.
Beyond the opening events, youth participants will explore other Chinese cities like Nanning and Hangzhou in the coming days. They will engage in discussions focused on green development, digital innovation, cultural heritage, and the creation of youth-oriented cities.
Themed \"Together for a Better Future,\" the forum aims to harness the collective strength of youth to advance both the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Development Initiative. Organized by the All-China Youth Federation, the United Nations in China, and the forum’s organizing committee, this marks the second edition of the event, following its inaugural session in 2022.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
