Remarks by Mr. Mark Bryan Schreiner, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., at International Youth Day Commemorations

Global Theme:

"#YouthLead: Youth Leadership for Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces "

12 August 2024

Dodoma – Tanzania

Protocol / Salutation:

Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi, Wageni Waalikwa, Mabibi na Mabwana

I have a special honour to speak on behalf of the UN System in Tanzania. Honourable Prime Minister, allow me to congratulate Hon Ridhiwani Kikwete for being appointed as the Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office [Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability, Hongera sana.

Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi, Wageni Waalikwa, Mabibi na Mabwana

Today, we celebrate the International Youth Day, under the IYD Global theme: #YouthLead: Youth Leadership for Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces.

As a generation born into a digital world, young people are adept at harnessing the vast opportunities that technology offers to build a more inclusive present and future. Technology is one of society’s best tools to lessen inequality: It opens doors for young people across education, employment and civic participation, and can promote gender equality and peace through innovation and the exchange of ideas.

International Youth Day celebrates the power and potential of young people. This year’s focus is on the pivotal role of youth in harnessing technology to advance sustainable development. 

Around the world including in the United Republic of Tanzania, young people are turning clicks into progress, making the most of digital tools to take on local and global challenges – from climate change to rising inequalities to the growing mental health crisis. 

But achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a seismic shift – which can only happen if we empower young people and partner as equals. 

That means bridging digital divides, boosting investments in education, critical thinking and information literacy, tackling the gender biases that often dominate the tech industry, and supporting young innovators in expanding digital solutions. 

Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi, Wageni Waalikwa, Mabibi na Mabwana

Before we reach the pinnacle of today’s celebration, we’ve had Youth Symposium, Tanzania Vision 2050 discussions with young people taking the lead in these sessions. Hongereni Sana Vijana kwa kuwa Mstari wa mbele, hakika hii ni siku yenu (Congratulations to all of you—you’ve truly stepped up, and today is your day). 

I’d like to take a moment to highlight Vision 2050: ‘Kupanga ni Kuchagua’

The late Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the founding father of Tanzania said in 1969 ‘Kupanga ni Kuchagua’, a Kiswahili phrase which emphasizes that focus demands sacrifice.  This profound statement underscores the critical role of strategic planning in shaping a nation's future. 

Tanzania remains committed to making strategic investments in its people - with the ongoing development of the Tanzania National Vision 2050 offering a unique chance to prioritize investments to unlock this potential, especially of its young people.

By equipping young people with quality education and relevant skills, Tanzania can cultivate a productive workforce that drives innovation and economic advancement. Additionally, creating a conducive environment for job creation and entrepreneurship is essential to absorb the growing labor force and reduce unemployment.

We believe that in 25 years from now, young people will look back at this International Youth Day and recognize their role in laying the foundation for making the Tanzania a better place for themselves and succeeding generations of young women and men in every region, and community. Youth are the leaders of today, and the makers of tomorrow.

Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi, Wageni Waalikwa, Mabibi na Mabwana:

As today we witness the launch of the National Youth Development Policy edition of 2024 and its implementation strategy;  on behalf of the United Nations System in Tanzania, allow me to take this opportunity to congratulate you Mheshimwa Waziri Mkuu, together with your ministry that you manage and all the executives, congratulations for being able to complete this process of launching the youth policy in Tanzania. Hongera sana.

I would like to assure you that the United Nations family commits to continue partnering to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities facing young people in all their diversity - wherever they are and in whatever situation they find themselves. 

Young people are a priority in our work - and in true partnership with young people we will continue to identify ways to promote the leadership and well-being of young women and men.

Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi:

The UN Youth 2030 Strategy presents the unwavering commitment of the United Nations to prioritize young people, and our collective commitment as a UN family to step up our work for and with young people, under the leadership of the Secretary General. 

The key priorities of the Strategy include youth engagement, participation, and advocacy; solid and healthy foundations; economic empowerment; human rights; and peace and resilience building. If We want to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and make good on our pledge to leave no one behind, young people must be at the centre of our collective efforts. Let us embrace young people as active partners on this journey together.

Young people, especially adolescent girls, face formidable challenges staying healthy, getting education, and making their own decisions in life. Threats to their rights and well-being today, can jeopardize their potential to become engaged and productive citizens tomorrow. We have the power—and responsibility—to help every girl and boy make a safe and healthy transition through adolescence to adulthood. Reflecting on this years theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”  - every space in a digital world should be a safe space for youth—ranging from their homes, classrooms,  health centres, and on the tables where policies and peace agreements are pinned.

Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi, Wageni Waalikwa, Mabibi na Mabwana:

Before I conclude, I’d like to share a few words with our young people. Wapendwa Vijana Mlioko Hapa na Mnaofatilia Matangazo haya kwa njia ya Mtandao na Vyombo vya Habari, leo ni siku yenu (Dear young people present here and those who are following our today’s event through the online digital platform and on media -  today is your day!)

Ulimwenguni pote, vijana husema: “Hakuna lolote kutuhusu, bila sisi!” (all over the world, young people say: “Nothing about us, without us!”) Katika Umoja wa Mataifa, tumesikia, tumejifunza na kutilia maanani kanuni hii. Ushirikiano wetu na vijana niwa lazima kila wakati na napaswa kuwa hivyo, uwe, kulingana na ushiriki wenu wa dhati na wa maana. (At UN, we have heard, learned and taken this principle to heart. Our partnerships with young people are, and must always be, based on your active and meaningful participation). 

Through this National Youth Policy to be launched today: Young people are waiting to claim their power and fulfil their potential. With our support, they can claim their rights and realize their aspirations. They will shape their own future – and the world’s. As new technology and Artificial Intelligence shapes our world, young people must also be front & centre in digital policies and institutions. 

Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi, Wageni Waalikwa, Mabibi na Mabwana

Ninapomaliza: (As I Conclude). For the United Nations, working with and for young people, and promoting youth leadership and participation, have been a long-standing tradition. Our efforts enable young people to develop the skills, knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, lives, families, communities, countries, and our world. 

Young people are at the forefront of UN’s work to build a more equitable, resilient societies where prosperity is shared by all. We will continue to join hands in this National Youth Development Policy. Please count on the UN family in Tanzania to stand with and for young people in the United Republic of Tanzania. Together, let us draw on their energy and ideas to shape a more sustainable future for all. 

Ahsanteni Kwa kunisikiliza | Tupo Pamoja