Education as the Key to Empowerment: What the SDG Action Weekend Reveals About the Next Generation’s Needs

Over the past weekend, hundreds of world leaders, activists, and youth convened at the UN headquarters to accelerate the pathway towards the SDG 2030 agenda. I was privileged to attend with our Love&Future team.

As Secretary General António Guterres’ motivating speech and Yemi Alade’s stunning performance kicked off the SDG Action Weekend, I could not wait to join the myriad discussion panels concerning the most urgent issues to our society and our planet: gender equity, quality education, youth participation, climate change, and so much more. Several speakers brought up countless times the importance of intergenerational and multistakeholder collaborations. Change cannot happen without unity, nor would it take place without young people’s power. I was moved by the commitment of youth leaders from the Global South, who strive to amplify young people’s voice in the decision-making process. Some showcased their initiatives to provide youth with substantial resources of advocacy. During the break periods, I exchanged insights with young entrepreneurs as well as academics and professionals.

Africa’s youth pioneers, for instance, have leveraged their knowledge, skills, and leadership to give back to their community. They hold workshops on data literacy, create inclusive space for women and girls, and prepare the next generation for better integration in the global community. Their actions speak louder than words. Recalling the core missions of Love & Future, I felt more determined to do something tangible for our next generation. What issues do they care about the most?

What skills and resources do they need? What are their biggest obstacles and how can they conquer the difficulties? The answers to these questions require persistent conversations directly with young people and on a whole-society scale. The SDG Action Weekend is only the beginning of a long quest. With Love&Future, I hope to continuously be the trailblazer of transformative education and youth empowerment.

Writer : Shuhan Li Program Manager of Love&Future