The national celebration of International Youth Day was held for the first time in Vanua Levu, drawing young attendees from across the Northern region to Naulumatua Ground in Bua.
The event revolved around the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru emphasized the importance of using technology appropriately to foster community development.
“Despite ongoing issues like the digital divide, our youth, often labeled as ‘digital natives,’ are at the forefront of adopting and innovating with new technologies,” Minister Saukuru noted.
He further pointed out that youth form the largest demographic of users and developers, significantly influencing global digital trends.
As the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals approaches, he stressed the critical role youth play in leveraging technology to tackle global issues.
Minister Saukuru highlighted that it is estimated digital technologies and data contribute to achieving around 70% of the 169 targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals.
“With 232 measurable indicators that significantly affect economic, social, and environmental aspects,” he stated.
“This highlights the vast potential of our youth to utilize digital pathways for sustainable development, paving the way for a brighter future for upcoming generations.”
During the celebration of International Youth Day, he called for a renewed commitment to empower and support the youth in building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The International Youth Day celebration also marked the beginning of the weeklong Bua Youth Festival.