Many of my previous articles in Generation Next have focused on specific dates and what they mean to the larger society as a whole.  This one might just be the most important.  In an effort to harness the energy, imagination and initiative of the world’s youth in overcoming the challenges of our world, the United Nations proclaimed the International Year of Youth for 2010.

Throughout the year, the UN is calling for the full and effective participation of youth in all aspects of society.  The celebration encourages all sectors to work in partnership with youth and youth organizations to better understand their needs and concerns and to recognize the contributions they can make to society.

In its resolution proclaiming the Year, the UN General Assembly called on governments, civil society, individuals and communities worldwide to support activities at local and international levels to mark the event.  It also encourages young people to dedicate themselves to fostering progress, such as the attainment of the UN Millennium Development Goals, which seek to eliminate a host of social ills, including extreme poverty and hunger, maternal and infant mortality, and lack of access to education and health care, all by 2015.

It is interesting to note that young people today enjoy a level of freedom and individual empowerment that youth throughout the centuries could have only dreamt of.  It wasn’t too long ago that adults regularly believed that young people should only be seen in public, and not heard.  Thankfully, we’ve moved beyond these outdated forms of thinking.

They say that youth are the leaders of tomorrow.  I actually kind of disagree with this statement, because it essentially says that kids have to grow up first to really make a difference.  I don’t think you have to wait until you’re an adult to make change.  Why can’t you start right now?

In fact, history is filled with examples of young people working together to create positive change.  This includes the vitally important youth participation that took place in the Civil Rights movement, the peace and environmental movements, and the struggle for the rights of students all over the world.

Currently in the early 21^st century, we see tens of thousands of kids using personal blogs and such networking sites as Facebook and YouTube to spread the word about making positive change.  Whether it’s about poverty, human rights or global warming, knowledge and information can be shared among millions of young people all over the world with just a few clicks of a mouse, and is propelling kids into action with an enthusiasm never seen before.

Several international events are already scheduled throughout the year, including the Fifth World Youth Congress from July 31 to August 13 in Istanbul, and the World Conference for Youth in Mexico City from August 24 to 27.  Both gatherings will focus on youth and sustainable development.

So what are we waiting for?  This is our year to make a difference!

Author: Bilaal Rajan