International Youth Day: Let Gen Z cook

NEW DELHI: International Youth Day is being observed today. Gen Z and Gen Alpha, among others, will lead the world in the years ahead. “Let Gen Z cook”, a Gen Z expression meaning to let them do something smart, is the phrase to go with this year.

The lives of young people are shaped differently in different countries, but their aspirations are the same. Dignity, opportunities, decent jobs, quality education and a sustainable future are what young people seek. Hence, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” is the theme of this year’s International Youth Day. The theme reflects the reality that while young people live in different circumstances, they share many of the same aspirations.

Gen Zs are known for rejecting narrow perspectives. Most of them have a presence on social media platforms, including Instagram. They are a generation shaped by digital behaviours. They are also now a force for change in society. The participation of Gen Zs in volunteer activities during the floods in Assam was notable.

130 crore young people

• More than 1.3 billion young people live across the world.

• In India, nearly 65 per cent of the population is below the age of 35.

• Young people will be a decisive force in the 2029 general election.
• Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) is the Central government's digital platform for youth empowerment and engagement.

“Young people are already leading the way as organisers and innovators.”

— António Guterres,

Secretary-General of the United Nations

Guterres said young people need access to skills that will shape the future, including critical thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy.