Here in Nepal, we seek change all the time but we don’t really know how to go about it. Change is a necessity for sure and for the young ones in the country, it is definitely something to look forward to. “But when?”is perhaps the question.[break]
In the world, according to the United Nations (UN), there are around 1.8 billion youth and 43 percent of the total population of the globe is under the age of 25.
Nepal’s youth population aged between 15 and 29 stands at 6.131 million of which 83 percent are living in rural areas, according to the census of 2001 and it has definitely increased over the years.
Youth, whether living in the city or in the rural areas, all face a common problem, unemployment. The “Yo desh ma kei hune wala chaina” mentality has prevailed over time and is not going to change until the country takes up the youth issues seriously.
Nepal, especially the city areas, has changed drastically. From the wanna-be sky scrapers to top notch clothing brands, you get it all and everybody is targeting the youth to spend more and more. Whilst the spending is in an increasing trend, the opportunity to work and earn seems to be decreasing, blame it on unemployment.
We are young and we have the power to do many things. The youth today are more aware of the situation in the country and the world. Taking that as a weapon of change, if we seriously want to bring about the “change” we all dream of, we need to work together.
As we all celebrate the International Youth Day, 2012, with the theme “Building a better world, partnering with youth”, we hope that the concerned authorities are ready to address our issues, take us seriously and join hands with us.
We are the leaders of tomorrow. Why not partner with us today?
What is IYD?
International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The first IYD was on August 12, 2000. As with other political awareness days, such as Earth Day, the purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding an endangered demographic.
Content Courtesy: United Nations
The 2012 theme
Each year on August 12, International Youth Day (IYD) is assigned a theme; a conceptual slogan that communicates the scope, direction, and objectives of the year’s youth initiatives and that also provides a unifying banner from under which individuals can draw the inspiration to take action.
The theme chosen for International Youth Day 2012 “Building a Better World: Partnering with Youth” is a global call to action for young men and women, as well as other stakeholders around the world, to develop and engage in partnerships with and for youth towards building a better world.
Content Courtesy: United Nations
“To unleash the power of young people, we need to partner with them.”
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General, United Nations
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