IYD Special Event- Generational Equality and Sustainable Future for All
The theme of International Youth Day 2021 is, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Humanand Planetary Health”, highlighting that the success of the global effort will not be achieved without themeaningful participation of young people. Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General forthe Food Systems Summit, stated that “We cannot implement the science without also addressing questionsof access, equality and finance, and we cannot build a better future for tomorrow without including the youth oftoday”.
The pandemic fueled Asian hate and xenophobia around the world. Notably, Asian Americans have beenexperiencing anti-Asian racism, and attacks against Asians spiked in different countries. As the vaccine rollouttrundles forward, Asian Americans struggle to get vaccinated. As youth are pioneer of change, they standtogether against Asian hate and call for equitable vaccine access to all people regardless of their race orethnicity. All people are entitled to the same human rights. Asian youth play a vital role in fighting anti-Asianracism through raising awareness on the brutal attacks that Asians face, and explaining to people that theyshould stop blaming a race for Covid-19.
Youth led innovative initiatives solve some of the most pressing problems, demonstrating the important role of youth in achieving sustainable development goals. Cohosted by SDG Corps wit hAsiaTV , to celebrate the International Youth Day, have an online event with the theme“Equality:Youth’s role in Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution and Asian Hate”took place on 12th August.The events shed light on the importance of youth engagement in addressing global problems. Organizers also conducted a preview of the first infomercial about Sustainable Farm and Fishery Tourism with AsiaTV, Youthink Center and Friends for Tourism.