International Youth Day: Engage young people to enhance responses to global challenges, says OSCE Chairperson’s Representative on Youth and Security

VIENNA / TIRANA, 11 August 2020 - Ahead of tomorrow’s International Youth Day, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Special Representative on Youth and Security, Keisi Seferi, said that amid the challenging times of the COVD-19 pandemic, this was an opportune moment to strengthen inclusive youth engagement for global action to the benefit of comprehensive security.   

Underlining the need for concrete steps from governments, parliaments and international organizations to include youth as part of the response to the global challenges, Seferi said: “This year’s International Youth Day theme highlights ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’. It reaffirms that the role of young people in responding to global challenges has exceeded expectations. Youth is playing a proactive role in these hard times in enabling rapid responses to emerging challenges; contributing to community service; providing humanitarian assistance; enhancing human, social and economic development, and environmental sustainability.”

“Youth’s already boosted role as agents of change should advance the impact of their actions in strengthening democracy, further respecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, protecting the environment, combating climate change, fighting poverty, and offering equal opportunities. Their engagement is essential to a culture of dialogue, justice, peaceful co-existence, trust and reconciliation, thereby building stability,” Seferi said.

She called on the participating States and the OSCE community as a whole to maximize efforts in promoting an inclusive spirit of decision-making whilst considering youth empowerment an investment in the next generation of leaders.

Seferi added: “OSCE participating States should make good use of the Organization’s tools in addressing the needs of youth and should recognize the positive role of young people in the OSCE three dimensions of security”. In this regard, she emphasized the work of OSCE field operations in making a difference on the ground and encouraged stronger co-operation between the OSCE and the UN in the field of youth, peace and security.