Remarks by UNDP Somalia Resident Representative Lionel Laurens at an event organized on 12 August 2024 to mark the International Youth Day in Mogadishu 
 

H.E. MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS PRESENT, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, ESTEEMED COLLEAGUES, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, OUR YOUTH. Subax wanaagsan,

It’s a true honor to be here today to celebrate the International Youth Day 2024 with all of you! This day is dedicated to acknowledging the incredible contributions of young people and recognizing their vital role in shaping our future.

This year’s theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” —captures a powerful reality. Digital technologies are revolutionizing how we live and work, offering unprecedented opportunities for progress and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Leaving No One Behind. 

Globally, according to the ITU, approximately 2 persons out of three of the world’s population, or 5.4 billion people, now use the internet. Digital technologies contribute to more than 70% of the 169 SDG targets while potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion. 

In Somalia, with over 30% of the population aged 15-24, our youth are increasingly engaging with these technologies to drive change. The 2022 VNR report highlights that digital technologies are crucial in advancing SDG targets, particularly those related to education, health, and economic growth. In Somalia, digital innovation is a key driver of development.

According to the 2022 SOMALIA INTEGRATED HOUSEHOLD BUDGET SURVEY overall, shows that 85% of the Somali population aged 15 + years owns a mobile phone and 81.8% use it for financial transactions, reflecting significant progress in recent years. 

Our youth are at the forefront of this digital revolution, harnessing technology to address both local and global challenges. Youth-led digital initiatives are contributing to economic growth and advancing educational opportunities. However, significant barriers remain. 

Globally, Young people still face many development challenges, and their needs and aspirations are regularly overlooked. They face significant barriers to full participation in public life – disproportionately carried by girls and young women in many parts of the world – They face Limited political and community inclusion, and Limited access to educational opportunities, digital access and decent jobs.

In Somalia, the 2022 National Voluntary Review Report notes persistent disparities in digital access. For instance, while 40% of young men have access to digital skills training, only 25% of young women benefit from such opportunities. Persons with disabilities face additional challenges, with limited access to technology and digital platforms. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensure that all young people can fully participate in and benefit from the digital age.

Youth has also strengths: They are Connected to each other like never before, young people want to and already contribute to the resilience of their communities, proposing innovative solutions and driving social progress. Young people are not only citizens with equal rights but also powerful agents for change whose voices must be fully heard. 

Hence Young people’s empowerment, development and engagement is an end in itself, as well as a means to build a better world. And youth empowerment is both a human rights imperative and a smart investment in sustainable development and peace.

Somalia’s youth have shown extraordinary resilience, innovation, and determination. Despite the challenges posed by conflict, economic instability, climate change and limited opportunities, you have continued to push boundaries, challenge norms, and work tirelessly towards a peaceful and prosperous Somalia.

That’s why UNDP is excited to support the upcoming Youth, Peace, and Security Plan under the leadership of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This initiative will empower youth to play a central role in peacebuilding and security, integrating digital innovation into these efforts. By amplifying youth voices and addressing the intersection of digitalization with peace and security, we aim to build more inclusive and resilient communities.

Today, as we reflect on the transformative power of digitalization, let us also commit to supporting and empowering our youth to ensure that every young person, including young women and youth who are living with disabilities, for all to have access to the opportunities they need to realize their potential. 

Let’s work together—youth, government, the private sector and Cooperating Partners—to enhance digital skills, expand access to technology, and create an environment where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

To our youth, I am saying: Thank you for your dedication, your pro-activeness and creativity, your passion, and your support to innovate, drive change and make positive difference. Together, we can harness the power of digitalization to accelerate progress and build a brighter, more inclusive future for Somalia.

Happy International Youth Day!

[Mogadishu, Somalia, 12 August 2024]