s the world celebrates International Youth Day this year, we have a poignant opportunity to reflect on the significance of youth in U.S. foreign policy during this era of interconnected economies and shared global challenges—particularly when it comes to promoting inclusive growth, advancing democracy, and responding to climate change. With 2.4 billion people in the world between the ages of 10 and 29, the role of young people in steering the trajectory of nations deserves proper attention. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to a sustainable future are the keys to unlocking a greener, more just, inclusive, and prosperous world.
This year’s official theme of “green skills” is especially apt. As defined by USAID, green skills are “…the breadth of technical, vocational, and professional skills…needed to contribute to a socially, economically, and environmentally just human society that cares for the human and non-human world and reduces the impact of human activity on others.” According to the 2022 USAID Youth in Development Policy, a global survey showed that 83% of young people believe their government is failing to care for the planet. Not only are young people motivated, seeing climate change as a global emergency, but they are poised to enter a world where green skills are increasingly necessary for their employment, entrepreneurial, or civic potential. By integrating green skills as a core element of positive youth development into U.S. foreign policy and development assistance, we can foster a generation of environmentally conscious, innovative, and skilled individuals who are equipped to address environmental challenges, drive economic growth, and strengthen markets.
In communities where young people are most vulnerable to a changing climate, the youth can also help reduce reliance on foreign assistance by preventing and mitigating future disasters. Additionally, the United States has a unique opportunity to harness its competitive edge against countries like China by prioritizing the youth in its climate investments and foreign policy decisions.
Foreign assistance is a powerful tool that can help bridge gaps, build capacities, and foster collaboration among nations. By ensuring meaningful engagement of youth-led organizations in development and diplomacy, the U.S. can leverage this generation of young people’s enthusiasm to accelerate progress towards economic security and equip them with the ability to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. Their interconnected world view, awareness of global challenges, and sense of solidarity—all shaped by technology—can inject innovative solutions into diplomatic efforts. Youth-led organizations—which are often agile, adaptable, and focused on local solutions—are well-positioned to respond and build resilience to rapidly evolving crises, including those exacerbated by climate change.
As recognized and promoted in USAID’s Climate Strategy, one of the key areas where youth-centered programs and youth-led initiatives have shown remarkable potential is in the realm of renewable energy. Young innovators are not only embracing green technologies but are also spearheading groundbreaking advancements. By nurturing these efforts, the U.S. can bolster its own transition to a greener economy while aiding other nations in their pursuit of sustainable development. With rigorous evaluation and learning, foreign assistance that supports young people can catalyze positive change, creating a ripple effect that resonates far beyond national borders.
At this halfway point to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this year's theme of green skills offers a timely lens through which to view the transformative impact that the youth, youth-led organizations, and initiatives can have on fostering a resource-efficient and sustainable society. As the United States stands at a crossroads of global challenges and opportunities, it is imperative that the youth take center stage in foreign policy, programs, and partnerships. By embracing green skills; supporting youth-led initiatives; assessing evidence; and sharing best practice, the U.S. can forge a path towards a more equitable, resilient, prosperous, and environmentally conscious world.
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Youth Can Steer a Sustainable Path to Global Prosperity
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
August 12, 2023
As the world celebrates International Youth Day, it is a great time to reflect on the importance of young people to foreign policy. There are 2.4 billion people between the ages of 10 and 29, and they are the keys to unlocking a sustainable future, write Nicole Goldin and Rachel Clement.
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s the world celebrates International Youth Day this year, we have a poignant opportunity to reflect on the significance of youth in U.S. foreign policy during this era of interconnected economies and shared global challenges—particularly when it comes to promoting inclusive growth, advancing democracy, and responding to climate change. With 2.4 billion people in the world between the ages of 10 and 29, the role of young people in steering the trajectory of nations deserves proper attention. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to a sustainable future are the keys to unlocking a greener, more just, inclusive, and prosperous world.
This year’s official theme of “green skills” is especially apt. As defined by USAID, green skills are “…the breadth of technical, vocational, and professional skills…needed to contribute to a socially, economically, and environmentally just human society that cares for the human and non-human world and reduces the impact of human activity on others.” According to the 2022 USAID Youth in Development Policy, a global survey showed that 83% of young people believe their government is failing to care for the planet. Not only are young people motivated, seeing climate change as a global emergency, but they are poised to enter a world where green skills are increasingly necessary for their employment, entrepreneurial, or civic potential. By integrating green skills as a core element of positive youth development into U.S. foreign policy and development assistance, we can foster a generation of environmentally conscious, innovative, and skilled individuals who are equipped to address environmental challenges, drive economic growth, and strengthen markets.
In communities where young people are most vulnerable to a changing climate, the youth can also help reduce reliance on foreign assistance by preventing and mitigating future disasters. Additionally, the United States has a unique opportunity to harness its competitive edge against countries like China by prioritizing the youth in its climate investments and foreign policy decisions.
Foreign assistance is a powerful tool that can help bridge gaps, build capacities, and foster collaboration among nations. By ensuring meaningful engagement of youth-led organizations in development and diplomacy, the U.S. can leverage this generation of young people’s enthusiasm to accelerate progress towards economic security and equip them with the ability to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. Their interconnected world view, awareness of global challenges, and sense of solidarity—all shaped by technology—can inject innovative solutions into diplomatic efforts. Youth-led organizations—which are often agile, adaptable, and focused on local solutions—are well-positioned to respond and build resilience to rapidly evolving crises, including those exacerbated by climate change.
As recognized and promoted in USAID’s Climate Strategy, one of the key areas where youth-centered programs and youth-led initiatives have shown remarkable potential is in the realm of renewable energy. Young innovators are not only embracing green technologies but are also spearheading groundbreaking advancements. By nurturing these efforts, the U.S. can bolster its own transition to a greener economy while aiding other nations in their pursuit of sustainable development. With rigorous evaluation and learning, foreign assistance that supports young people can catalyze positive change, creating a ripple effect that resonates far beyond national borders.
At this halfway point to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this year's theme of green skills offers a timely lens through which to view the transformative impact that the youth, youth-led organizations, and initiatives can have on fostering a resource-efficient and sustainable society. As the United States stands at a crossroads of global challenges and opportunities, it is imperative that the youth take center stage in foreign policy, programs, and partnerships. By embracing green skills; supporting youth-led initiatives; assessing evidence; and sharing best practice, the U.S. can forge a path towards a more equitable, resilient, prosperous, and environmentally conscious world.
