The International Youth Day national celebration was held for the first time in Vanua Levu on August 12, at the Naulumatua Ground in Bua.
The theme for this year’s event was “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” Jese Saukuru, the Minister for Youth and Sports, highlighted the importance of effectively utilizing technology to foster community development.
Saukuru remarked that, despite ongoing challenges such as the digital divide, young people, often referred to as “digital natives,” are at the forefront of adopting and innovating with new technologies. He noted that they constitute the largest demographic of users and developers, influencing digital trends worldwide.
As the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) nears, he emphasized that youth play a crucial role in leveraging technological advancements to tackle global issues. He pointed out that digital technologies and data are essential in achieving at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets, with 232 measurable indicators significantly impacting economic, social, and environmental aspects.
Saukuru called for a collective commitment to empower and support the youth in their quest for a more sustainable and inclusive future. The celebration of International Youth Day also marked the launch of the weeklong Bua Youth Festival.