DISCUSSION AHEAD OF THE GLOBAL SDG SUMMIT 2023 - Youth should not only participate, but take one of the leading roles on the sustainable development path

Skopje, 14 September 2023 - Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in a rapidly changing world is an impossible challenge without increased engagement of all people on the planet, especially of the youth, whose distinct perspectives and ideas can truly boost the progress towards the Agenda 2030.  How to get greater youth engagement was at the focus of the discussion organised by the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia and the National Youth Council (NYCM) that was held at Youth Hub today. 

In light of the Global SDG summit (18-19 September 2023, New York, USA) the main goal of this discussion was to encourage initiatives and activities among young people, that would be useful for accelerating the implementation and achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Seeking innovative ways to benefit from full integration in the decision-making processes is an important step.  The discussion on accelerating sustainable development in the context of the SDG Summit 2023 showcased how youth can make important contributions.

“The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development is a shared promise by every country to secure the rights and well-being of everyone, on a healthy, thriving planet.  However, this pledge is not being realized globally,” says Rossana Dudziak, UN Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia. "We now have a vital opportunity to move from rhetoric to action and break through to a better world.  Achieving the SDGs also requires broader societal engagement. Civil-society and think tanks, and in particular youth must be able to strengthen their role as advocates for change and promoters of accountability. This requires not only participation, but a role in the actual decision making, especially for young people."

Dudziak highlighted the fact that we all have a responsibility to act towards a greater, greener, better future of humanity and of our planet.

“Our future lies in our hands. It also lies in the hands of today's younger generation, which will pass the torch to future generations," according to the 2030 Agenda. The role of young people in joint action to achieve the SDGs is indisputable and necessary for inputting their energy, passion, knowledge and skills “ said Filip Ivkovski, NYCM president. “One of the steps in accelerating the achievement of Agenda 2030 is the repositioning of young people and their transfer from the field of the consulted party to a new field as active participants in the overall process.”

Some 50 young people and representatives of the UN family also discussed North Macedonia's commitments and achievements related to the SDGs since 2015, highlighting areas such as health, education, gender equality, and economic growth.

The attendees raised important questions such as to what the key transitions necessary to accelerate SDGs are, how can youth support these transitions and how can UN and NYCM work together to advance sustainable development in the country.

Today’s discussion provided an opportunity to ensure shared understanding on the expectations from the upcoming Summit, as well as review the venues and ways to jointly contribute to ensuring and facilitating key transitions necessary to accelerate SDGs.

The National Youth Council is a representative body for youth organizations in North Macedonia, uniting 51 organizations, 17 youth organizations, 20 organizations for youth, one union, seven youth wings of other organizations and six associate members, promoting and advocating for the rights of the youth in the country.

Through the Joint Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-25, the UN Family in the country is working closely with the Government and all other stakeholders to advance sustainable development, including with youth.