youth-in-tanzania
Photo by Jeroen van Loon

Nairobi, Kenya: August 12, 2022: The world’s youth population is 1.2 billion strong – a number that is projected to grow by 7% to 1.3 billion by 2030. In Africa, over 60% of the continent’s population is aged below 25, and by the year 2030, the target date for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, young Africans are expected to make up 42% of the world’s youth.

This year’s International Youth Day presents a great opportunity for development partners, governments and communities to build and invest in the case for intergenerational solidarity as a mechanism to ensure that young people and older generations work together for intergenerational public health solutions and the creation of more inclusive and diverse societies for all ages.

We call on governments and other duty bearers to invest in platforms where young people and other generations can meaningfully participate and leverage their skills and different lived experiences. This will advance policies that are inclusive, diverse and not only transform their lives but also transform communities, nations, and the continent. Additionally, we call on duty bearers to create enabling environments, whether in employment or civic spaces in the health sector, which build the capacity of young people to become great leaders.

Download Amref Health Africa’s full statement for International Youth Day 2022