International Youth Day “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”

Acknowledgment :

1. Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, The Minister of Youth and Sports, 
2. Mr. Yves Sassenrath, UNFPA Representative, on behalf of YTF. 
3. Ms. Manal Gamal, “Director of the Central Administration for Youth Empowerment (MOYS)
4. Young Changemakers, 

Masa’a El Khair, 

On the International Youth Day, we gather to celebrate the power of youth. Your remarkable contributions make this world a better place for all. 

The theme for this year, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” underscores the critical role that technology and digital innovation play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Digital data reduces the cost of reaching the SDGs by up to 55 Trillion dollars. 

Across the globe, youth are leading the digital revolution. You are using mobile apps, online platforms, and AI to innovate and address critical challenges. 

In Egypt, internet usage among youth is impressive. According to CAPMAS, 89% of youth aged 18 to 29 used the internet in 2022. Among these users, half accessed health services online, or used electronic government services.

However, challenges remain. Some young people cannot afford to access the internet. In other cases, girls and women may have less access to the internet compared to their male peers. Despite these obstacles, youth are recognized as "digital natives," using technology to drive change and develop solutions.

Together the Government of Egypt, and the UN are turning clicks into progress. few examples:

• “Dawwie” and “Noura” form pillars of the National Girls’ Empowerment Initiative under the auspices of Ms. Intisar Al-Sisi, into which we have integrated digital literacy and connected “Dawwie” with the well-established “Meshwary” programme led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This represents a significantadvancement in fostering digital skills among youth.  It focuses on digital literacy, emphasizing the importance of providing young girls and boys with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and effectively. 
• The Digital Inclusion for Youth programme, aims at strengthening the social inclusion of young refugees, asylum-seekers and youth in urban host communities by enhancing their digital, language, and soft skills, boosting opportunities in the digital economy.

More broadly, The EGYouth 4 Climate Committee includes young people in the COP climate negotiations, underscoring their role in addressing environmental issues. Also, we recognize the critical role of the private sector in Shabab Balad, an extension of the Generation Unlimited global initiative, which highlights the commitment of this government to bring young people into the centre of their journey from learning to earning. 

Additionally, the UN Youth taskforce in Egypt has established a Youth Advisory Board to guide our joint initiatives, ensuring that youth voices can play a role in shaping the UN’s work. 

Last but not least, I want to take a moment to express our utmost appreciation to Dr. Ashraf Sobhy and the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as to the Ministry colleagues for their continuous support and commitment to improving the lives of youth and adolescents in Egypt. Your leadership has been instrumental in creating an environment that fosters the growth and development of young people in this country.

In order to make sure that every young person can bring his or her contribution to this digital revolution let us work towards safe and equitable access to the Internet in every school and youth centre. Let us also recommit to further investing in digital literacy, digital entrepreneurship, and pathways for young innovators to bring their ideas to life. 

المُسْتَقْبَلْ لِيكُمْ، خَلُونَا نِشْتَغَلْ عَلَى طُولْ ، دُوسْ وخَلِّي الْعَالمْ أَفْضَلْ

شُكْرَاً 

)The future is yours to shape. So let's get to work - turning your clicks into progress for a better world. (

Al-mustaqbal likum – khaluna nishtaghal ala toul Dus wa khalli el-alam afdhal 

Thank you!