Technology Makes Young People Build Inclusive Present & Future, Says UNFPA

By Khalid Idris Doya

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria has said that young people as a generation born into a digital world are adept at harnessing the vast opportunity that technology offers to build a more inclusive present and future.

According to the fund, young people have boundless potential to inspire and change our communities, state and the nation as a whole, as they are vibrant and full of ideas.

UNFPA made the observation in a speech on sensitization and entrepreneur skill acquisition for adolescent and young people in commemoration of 2024 International Youth Day in Bauchi state organized by state Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Represented by the Bauchi state coordinator, Deborah Tabara, the fund explained that young people have the power to make our physical and digital world more just, equal, peaceful and safe, thereby driving change in their communities and beyond.

The Bauchi state UNFPA coordinator further explained that the journey of the young people is one of overcoming obstacles and asserting their rights in the society.

“As we look to the future, the role of digitalization plays an important role in all aspects of life especially with the youth, this will enhance the ongoing empowerment initiatives of youth which is essential”.

“Their digital skills, voices and experiences will add value to shaping the conversation around sexual and reproductive rights and services, pushing for a world where every young person, regardless of their background, can live a healthy, empowered life”.

She stated that the international youth day celebration is an event presenting another opportunity to reinforce the UNFPA mandate of ensuring every young person achieves their potential, leaving no one behind.

“In the spirit of partnership and cooperation, UNFPA is committed to working closely with Bauchi state government to achieve its development outcomes for the growing population of young people, who constitute more that 35% of the 8,780684 population (2024 UNFPA population projection) in the state”, Deborah said.

“UNFPA’s mandate is grounded in the International Conference on Population and Development and its Programme of Action, which calls for addressing the interrelationships between population, sustained economic growth and sustainable development”.

Deborah disclosed that the mandate is similarly geared to addressing poverty, hunger, health, education and gender equality in policies and programmes which, she assured, are without doubt some of the most important of all the United Nations SDGs.

Also speaking at the occasion, the state Commissioner of information and Communication, Hon. Usman Garba Dan Turaki said, “We are the ones who will shape the future, who will innovate and who will solve problems facing our communities. We must also recognize the fact that some of these challenges we face such as discrimination, injustice, inequality are part of the processes of our development.

Dan Turaki added, “We must accommodate our diversities and celebrate our differences and stand in unity and solidarity with one another to harness our potential.”

He urged the participants to work hard to build a generation that breaks down barriers among us and unite us in tackling the challenges together and create a society that is just, fair and ensures equitable distribution of resources in a peaceful manner.

On her part, the Director General Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Mrs Lydia Shehu, called on development partners to partner with the SDGs to achieve the desired goals.

Added that Bauchi State Sustainable Development Goals for organized the event as part of the government’s effort to empower young people through education and entrepreneur skills acquisition, highlighting the significant strides being made to harness young people’s potentials.