Youth Takes the Forefront at SDGs Dialogue in Tanzania

As the world gears up for the 2023 SDG Summit, the role of youth in driving sustainable futures has never been more crucial. Recognizing this, the UN in Tanzania recently hosted an SDGs Youth Dialogue at the University of Dar es Salaam. The dialogue served as an interactive platform for over 450 young people, offering them a unique opportunity to express their views on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative, which was supported by various UN agencies including UNRCO, FAO, ILO, IOM, UNCDF, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, and UN Women, intends to not only elevate the voices of the youth but also to emphasize their significant role in propelling Tanzania towards the 2030 Agenda.

"Attending this dialogue has been a transformative experience. It's not just about discussing the SDGs; it's about feeling the power of our collective voices and realizing that we, as youth, hold the key to our nation's sustainable future. We've learned, connected, and ignited a passion for change that will ripple through our communities. This event has shown us that together, we can be the architects of a brighter tomorrow" says Rajab Kilomoni, a youth from Dar es Salaam who attended the SDGs Youth dialogue.

The Youth Dialogue was collaborative, co-organized with the active participation of the Youth of United Nations Association (YUNA) and the United Nations Association (UNA) – the latter of which gave a summary of Tanzania’s 2023 Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report findings to spark the discussion. Adding to the significance of the event, two UN Youth Delegates, slated to attend the UN General Assembly in New York later in September, were in attendance. These delegates were keen on gathering the perspectives, best practices and aspirations of their fellow young Tanzanians, ensuring that their voices are amplified and represented on the global stage during their forthcoming trip.

The event was opened by the UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Mr. Zlatan Milisic, who highlighted Tanzania's predominantly young demographic and reminded the youth that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but also today's agents of change. “I urge each one of you to seize this dialogue as an opportunity, not just to share and learn but to forge partnerships and collaborations. Our commitment at the UN remains unwavering. We are here to facilitate, support, and empower. But the real momentum, the real change, will come from each one of you,” he said.

Three insightful panel discussions, based on the 5Ps of the SDGs, took centre stage:

People & Prosperity: This panel delved into diverse topics from Education and Vocational Training to Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Food Systems. The discourse further emphasized the multifaceted role of youth in Youth Training & Capacity Building, Innovation for the SDGs, and Youth & Health Rights, underscoring their pivotal role in sculpting sustainable communities.

Planet: This session tackled crucial issues such as the role of youth in the blue economy, strategies for adapting to climate change, and the transformative potential of waste management innovations & clean energy. It highlighted the innovative strides the youth are making, especially in countering climate change impacts and pioneering sustainable waste management solutions.

Peace and Partnerships: This discussion illuminated areas of SDGs advocacy, the journey towards peace, gender equality, and the importance of partnerships for the SDGs. The discourse underscored youth-driven initiatives in championing gender equality, robust SDGs advocacy, and the overarching mission of ensuring inclusivity in the path to sustainability.

The panels were spearheaded by dynamic young individuals actively involved in pertinent sectors, sharing firsthand experiences on addressing community challenges. These youth leaders detailed how they crafted solutions that not only benefited their communities but also propelled their personal growth. They generously shared their journeys, highlighting the essential skills they had to acquire for their efforts to flourish. The attending audience, comprising secondary school and university students, had the invaluable opportunity to interact directly with these panelists and the UN agencies present, gaining insights and fostering deeper understanding.

As the journey to the 2030 Agenda intensifies, such dialogues fortify the global commitment to the SDGs, and more importantly, highlight the role of the youth as not just beneficiaries but as torchbearers of a sustainable future.