On the occasion of the International Youth Day 2021 which is being observed on August 11, with the theme “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”,UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message stated, "Young people are on the frontlines of the struggle to build a better future for all. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dire need for the kind of transformational change they seek – and young people must be full partners in that effort.”
According to the UN, it is 'through youth education, engagement, innovation and entrepreneurial solutions,' one can surmount global problems by providing 'a platform for young people to continue the momentum.' It is important to ensure that youth are heard alongside other community and patient voices in the rollout of health and non-health interventions in response to COVID-19, adds the UN.
"The role of governments as well as youth organizations and community groups will be essential to ensure that trustworthy public health information is disseminated. Young people themselves are also utilizing online technologies to spread public health information in engaging ways such as videos to promote effective handwashing or explain how social distancing can save lives," urges the UN while added that there is a need for inclusive support mechanisms that ensure youth continue to amplify efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life, while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems.
Some of the high-points underscored by the UN are as follows.
-With the world’s population expected to increase by 2 billion people in the next 30 years, it has become recognized by numerous stakeholders that simply producing a larger volume of healthier food more sustainably will not ensure human and planetary wellbeing.
-Other crucial challenges must also be addressed, such as the interlinkages embodied by the 2030 Agenda including poverty reduction; social inclusion; health care; biodiversity conservation; and climate change mitigation.
-(There is) the need for youth to make informed decisions on food choices through increasing global education on the healthiest and most sustainable options for both individuals and the environment. There were also recommendations on providing adequate capacity development with respect to the resilience of food systems, in particular during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in its aftermath.
-Health education, public health promotion, and evidence-based information are critical in combating the spread and effects of COVID-19, especially to challenge the spread of disinformation online.
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