Every year, on 12 August, the world comes together to celebrate International Youth Day (IYD), a day dedicated to recognising the vital role that young people play in shaping the future. This year’s theme, “Green Skills For Youth: Towards A Sustainable World”, couldn’t be more relevant, especially when we consider the current poor state of environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental concept that lies at the heart of our planet’s survival and prosperity. At its core, sustainability is about responsibly managing our resources, conserving the environment, and ensuring that future generations can thrive. The Sustainable Development Goals recognise that for sustainable development to be achieved, it is crucial to harmonise the three core elements of economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection, all of which are crucial for the wellbeing of individuals and societies. Clearly, by sidelining the important dimension of environmental protection, sustainable development cannot be achieved.
However, despite the global consensus on the importance of sustainability, Nigeria, like many other countries, has struggled to fully embrace this concept. Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and population growth have taken a toll on the environment. Air and water pollution, deforestation, improper waste disposal, and overexploitation of natural resources have become pervasive issues. While some progress has been made, there’s still a long way to go in integrating sustainability into everyday practices.
This is where the significance of IYD 2023 comes into play. According to the UN, green skills are “knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society”. The UN recognises that youth possess immense potential to drive positive change, and this year’s theme encourages them to take the lead in forging a sustainable world.
As youth, we must realise that it is our future that is at stake. The decisions we make, the habits we develop, and the choices we champion today all contribute to future of our planet. We must also recognise that the lack of attention to sustainability issues is not just an environmental concern but also a socio-economic one. Climate change, pollution, and resource depletion pose serious threats to livelihoods, food security, and overall wellbeing.
These dangerous impacts show that sustainability issues are too serious to be ignored. It’s time for us to take the mantle of responsibility and actively engage in efforts to build a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Nigeria. By harnessing green skills, we can protect our planet and, in turn, safeguard our future and those of generations to come. As we celebrate IYD 2023, we hope that this year serves as a turning point for Nigeria’s sustainability journey. Happy International Youth Day!
To learn practical ways you can contribute to promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria, watch our insightful explanatory video.
Want do find out what else we’re doing for IYD 2023? Here’s a sneak peek:
- The #ShunCorruption Challenge (in collaboration with Priests Peace and Justice Initiative): Join our challenge and use the creative arts to express your vision of a corruption-free Nigeria.
- A Creative Compilation: Immerse yourself in a captivating montage of our ambassadors creatively expressing the theme of environmental sustainability in Nigeria through the creative arts.
- Meet the Young Faces Behind FYCI: Get to know our talented team and their invaluable contributions to our organisation.
Stay tuned and follow us on your preferred social media platform for the latest updates!
