From Clicks to Progress: Harnessing Youth Voices for Sustainable Development

International Youth Day 2024 is here, and this year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” couldn’t be more timely. As digital transformation reshapes every facet of our lives, businesses must acknowledge a crucial reality: children and adolescents are not just future consumers—they are powerful influencers, stakeholders and innovative problem-solvers. And today’s young minds are harnessing technology to create sustainable solutions for our world’s most pressing challenges. This theme acknowledges the crucial contributions of young people in this transformative process.

Youth: The Digital Generation Leading the Charge

Let’s put some stats on the table. Since the SDGs were adopted in 2015, internet connectivity has skyrocketed. Over two-thirds of the global population were online in 2023, with mobile phone subscriptions hitting 8.63 billion in 2022. In the least developed countries, internet access has surged from 7% in 2015 to 36% in 2023. These numbers are not just figures—they represent a seismic shift in how young people interact with the world and drive progress.

Young people, particularly those aged 15 to 24, are the frontrunners in this digital revolution. In 2022, 75% of this age group used the internet, outpacing other demographics by 10%. They are not just passive consumers; they are active participants and innovators. However, we cannot ignore the persistent digital divide—especially in low-income countries and among young women.

Listen to Youth: Why Businesses Need to Pay Attention

In today’s hyper-connected world, where transparency is the name of the game, businesses can no longer afford to sideline the voices of young people. They are the digital natives, the visionaries, and the change-makers. Companies that fail to recognise their influence are missing out on a goldmine of innovation and opportunity.

The global landscape is in a state of digital flux, and businesses are at the crossroads of compliance and innovation. The UN Secretary-General’s “Our Common Agenda” report underscores the necessity of supporting individuals through technological transitions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Digital transformation isn’t just a trend; it’s a powerful catalyst for achieving these global objectives. Technologies like AI, mobile platforms, and digital services are pivotal, affecting 70% of the 169 SDG targets. Ignoring this is not just shortsighted—it’s irresponsible.

A Bold Call-to-Action: Engage Children as Stakeholders

At Global Child Forum, we are not just observing these trends; we are actively driving change. Our benchmark reports reveal glaring gaps in how businesses address child rights in their sustainability efforts. It’s not enough to pay lip service to these issues. Companies must integrate child rights into their core strategies, not as an afterthought but as a fundamental pillar.

At our upcoming Global Child Forum on October 23rd, we will issue a powerful call to action: Listen Up! Engage Children as Stakeholders. This is not about charity or corporate social responsibility. It’s about smart business. When companies truly engage with young people, they unlock fresh perspectives that drive innovation, build trust, and create products and services that resonate across all demographics.

On this International Youth Day, let’s commit to a radical shift in how we view and engage with young people. They are not just the future—they are the present. Businesses that fail to listen to and involve youth in their decision-making processes are missing out on a critical driver of growth and sustainability.

The future waits for no one. Don’t get left behind.