Bishkek, Aug. 13, 2026 /Kabar/. Half the world's population is currently under 30, and by the end of the decade, this figure is expected to reach 57 percent, UN reports.
The UN emphasized that, despite differences in living conditions, young people around the world aspire to a decent future, participation in society, and the opportunity to realize their potential.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the new generation to be considered equal partners in building a sustainable future and for their participation to be expanded in decision-making at all levels. He noted that this year's International Youth Day is being celebrated under the theme "Different Conditions, Common Aspirations."
The Secretary-General stated that the younger generation around the world faces a range of interconnected challenges, including economic uncertainty, inequality, and climate change.
According to the UN chief, these challenges require coordinated international action.
Guterres also emphasized that young people are already proving themselves to be organizers and innovators.
"To go further, they need the opportunity to gain the skills that will shape the future from critical thinking and problem-solving to digital literacy," he noted.
The UN chief added that by working with youth as equal partners, the international community can accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, harness the knowledge and energy of young people to overcome contemporary crises, and reap the demographic dividend. This refers to the potential economic growth that occurs when the proportion of the working-age population in a country exceeds that of children and older adults.
At the same time, the Secretary-General emphasized that youth must be given a more significant role in decision-making processes at the local, national, and international levels.
