{"id":26027,"date":"2024-12-18T14:17:16","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T06:17:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/v3\/?p=26027"},"modified":"2024-12-18T14:17:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T06:17:58","slug":"empowering-youth-in-national-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/v3\/2024\/12\/18\/empowering-youth-in-national-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Youth in National Development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

During the 2024 edition of the Youth Economic Forum<\/a> in Kuala Lumpur last month (October), participants comprising tertiary students and young professionals were reminded of their role in addressing economic challenges, taking advantage of opportunities, and shaping the future of Malaysia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the country is embracing the digital economy, sustainability and industrial modernisation to propel itself towards becoming an advanced nation by 2028, Malaysian youths are urged to equip themselves to become highly skilled talents who can contribute actively to socio-economic growth at the national level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want to remind you that the new economy we are building is not just for you \u2013 it is with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are laying the foundation for an economy that is resilient, competitive, and inclusive, driven by technology, sustainability, and innovation,\u201d said<\/a> Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia Tengku Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz in his keynote address during the closing ceremony of the forum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed while those aged 15 to 24 years account for around 1.2 billion or 16 per cent of the global population at present, their numbers are expected to grow to almost 1.3 billion by 2030, making the youth in general as instrumental as their adult counterparts in guaranteeing meaningful and sustainable development.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Countries who want to sustain and boost their socio-economic development should invest in their youths for the long haul. Photo by Dieu Huyen Hoang on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Their role<\/a> in the progress of societies, nations and Earth cannot be underestimated, more so when they will inevitably inherit the world from those who come before them and pass it on to future generations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentially, when they possess the knowledge and are provided the platform and support required to flourish, they can influence decision-making at every level of government, as well as connect younger and older generations by initiating and implementing collaborative efforts within their communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, with their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and in-depth understanding, they might be able to come up with breakthrough solutions to solve systemic problems that are affecting the society they live in significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around the world, various organisations are undertaking numerous efforts to empower the youth to be heavily involved in the progress of their respective countries.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Investing in young people should begin from their early childhood years. Photo by Kukuh Napaki on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

For instance, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been supporting young people particularly from the Global South to help their communities through its Funding Window<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has since provided allocations for initiatives focusing on<\/a>, among others, building peace and social cohesion, providing employment, promoting skills training, combating gender-based violence, and rehabilitating agricultural lands in Africa and South America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another international organisation namely the World Economic Forum has initiated the Global Shapers Community, comprising a network of innovators, activists and change-makers under the age of 30 who \u201cwork together to advance local solutions to pressing challenges.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Youth investment should be comprehensive, encompassing areas of youth’s vulnerability and agency; education and workforce; as well as prevention and policy in relation with their well-being. File photo<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Following its launch in 2011, the initiative has developed more than 2,440 projects in a wide range of areas impact economic and social well-beings of the people. These Impact Areas, as they are called, include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n