International Youth Day 2022 - Intergenerational Solidarity

There are two key things that this year’s theme reminded me of - ageism and youth involvement.

I began my day by reading this little article from the United Nations website. One thing that struck me (not that I didn’t know it already) was that ‘The Global Report on Ageism launched by the United Nations in March 2021 highlights the many data gaps that exist with regards to ageism against youth. Despite this lack of research, young people continue to report age-related barriers in various spheres of their lives such as employment, political participation, health, and justice.’ Meanwhile, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ageism as ‘prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group and especially the elderly.’ Excuse me, but why *especially the elderly*?

Later on, I watched an awesome live from Romania where three youth experts were talking about consulting, engaging, empowering, and involving young people. A wonderful example of ‘intergenerational solidarity’, where adults who asked young people what their needs are and now offer them the opportunities they need in order to become other adults who will do the same. I know it works because I’ve been one of those young people.

Youth needs to be listened to, involved, and valued. I will never stop saying, doing, and promoting that. Happy day to us all!