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International Youth Day 2024

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International Youth Day 2024

We asked our new intern, Ishani, to write an article from her perspective as a young person with a keen interest in public and global health, sustainable development, and the digitalisation of healthcare.  As the previous Chair of the Imperial College London Branch of Students for Global Health, Ishani had the opportunity to partner with UK Model WHO for their 2024 LonWHO Simulation, based on the theme of ‘Digital Health: Improving Health Through Digital Solutions’2. 

"I urge everyone to guarantee young people a seat at the table as we build a world based on inclusive, fair, and sustainable development for all."
António Guterres
Director General of the United Nations

YOUTH, DIGITALISATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE

The United Nations International Youth Day theme for 2024 is ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’1. 

In 2022 it was reported3 that three-quarters of 15-24 year olds were using the internet globally. It is noted that there still exists a disparity in internet access between high- and low-income countries, however this gap is slowly closing4, and projected to close further. As such, in an age of digitalisation, this year’s theme centres on youth as innovators, many of whom have grown up in environments where digital technologies form a part of daily routine. In keeping with the 2023 theme for International Youth Day (‘Green Skills for Youth’5), and as one of the biggest current global challenges, the importance of tackling climate change cannot be overstated. Digital innovation will undoubtedly form a part of the plan. Like the targets of the other SDGs, tackling climate change is a wicked problem6, with devastating impacts on global trajectories.  The WHO estimates, between 2030-2050, approximately 250,000 additional deaths7 yearly will be climate-caused.

The welfare of other species is also critical in climate change. Just as the global human populations is impacted, so is the biodiversity and function of other ecosystems8.

These impacts are undoubtedly universal but will continue to worsen pre-existing health and social inequalities if left unaddressed10. 

Subsequently, it has been reported in the literature that ‘climate anxiety’ is prevalent amongst youth11. Results of a global survey published in the Lancet11 found that over 80% were worried about climate change, with almost half of respondents reporting that this negatively affected their daily life and functioning. This is not the only impact on mental health. Research done with the youth of the Pacific Islands has demonstrated a correlation between climate change and poor mental health in young people12. 

Groups for students and young professionals have also used social media and digital platforms to spread awareness of climate change, including Students for Global Health’s ‘Co-ordinated Theme on Climate Change’20, and Action for Global Health’s ‘Healthy Futures for Climate Change’21 campaign. The ability to connect and share ideas across borders through digital platforms has also given rise to the formation of global youth initiatives, like the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition13 (LDYC), and youth innovation challenges, such as the Engineers Without Borders ‘Engineering for People Design Challenge’14 . 

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In educational institutions across the world student-led organisations have been brough together by initiatives like the ‘Planetary Health Report Card’ (PHRC)16. PHRC uses metrics to evaluate institutions teaching health-related courses on their commitment to climate-curricula and research, campus sustainability, and climate-friendly infrastructure. These are done by the global network of student representatives, who later collaborate to support these institutions to make more climate friendly adjustments, to conduct research, and to influence policy. All of which, exemplify the bringing together the merits of digitalisation in research, learning and connectivity, and youth-driven innovation to address climate change.

Time magazine cover featuring Greta Thunberg as Person of the Year
Image from Time Magazine

Youth involvement in the climate advocacy and campaigning space is also prominent, with public figures such as Greta Thunberg17 inspiring school walkout movement ‘Fridays for Future’18, also known as ‘Strike for Climate’. Spread via online and social media platforms, the initial strike garnered the support of 1.4 million young people19 worldwide. 

Providing education through resources on climate change, for example in healthcare22, through social media toolkits23, are some of the ways that publicity is spread. Podcasts, YouTube channels, art and photography platforms, are amongst others, with social media now utilised as a valuable tool for climate policy24.

The Health Foundation’s Net Zero NHS Exhibition15 created an immersive experience using a multimedia approach, imagining a net zero NHS by 2036. Reflections on the installation emphasised its power to digitally illustrate what climate amendments might be needed in the health system, and that technology will be key to raising public awareness and creating more equitable change for everyone. Some of the reflection also focused on key amendments to health student curricula. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT: UN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY

Using the skills and insights of young people for sustainable problem-solving are crucial: the Budapest Youth Declaration27 acknowledged that the future generation will inevitably inherit some of the most difficult global health challenges of the modern age.  This was acted upon and led to the introduction of Youth4Health Network by the WHO in 202328. This initiative brings together youth activists and advocates from across the world and gives them an essential role in addressing major public and global health challenges. With a multidisciplinary, multicultural approach, this network is an asset to the wider efforts of organisations to promote sustainable, ethical and equitable development.

THE USE OF DIGITALISATION IN INNOVATION & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), technology can be a key asset to improving progress30. In the UN Common Agenda31, ‘improving digital co-operation’ including internet access, is one of the twelve key commitments made by member states. Even at a local level, technology has been utilised to educate communities of people. According to the World Economic Forum33, there is increasing access and demand to online learning courses, with emerging economies having the highest rate of new learners, narrowing the ‘global skills gap’.

WEF, 2020

Like this one in Kenya aimed at providing sex education to teenagers with the aim to lower youth pregnancies34, health apps are also essential tools. They provide not only opportunities for education but access to healthcare through improved health literacy and channels of communication.

Translated resources also provide similar advantages, with live translators, or information banks such as ‘Doctors of the World’35 making healthcare information more accessible. This initiative still requires development, as resource banks are not always comprehensive or can be difficult for patients to find, which in turn increases the level of digital literacy required to access them. However, it is a promising step in the right direction.

The research and innovation spheres have also benefitted from the impacts of digitalisation36. For instance, the UN’s Progress Study37, which consulted with young people across the globe, highlighted the importance of digital literacy and safety in global peacekeeping and prevention of violence.

In healthcare, the Asia Summit on Global Health38, held in Hong Kong, highlighted the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, by bringing together entrepreneurs and companies to present new ideas. The UN Environment Programme’s Young Champions of the Earth39 has a similar foundation; the award brings together young people from across the globe to present their ideas on how to combat climate change. Previous initiatives have ranged from data for clean water40, to using tech to tackle air pollution41.  

Whether it is through improved global communication and connectivity, information access and exchange, providing education and healthcare, or reducing inequity and improving quality of life, technology has completely changed the way that multiple sectors and fields function46. However, these rely on strict data protection and governance, responsible use of technologies, and digital access, including digital literacy.

A recent announcement by the World Health Organisation (WHO) marked the initiation of a collaboration network for digital healthcare42. This has been set up for European members to collaborate on issues including the controlling use of AI, use of data to inform preventative strategies, and the use of technology by the healthcare workforce. This also highlights the capacity of technology to connect people across the globe.

During COVID-19, the use of platforms such as Microsoft Teams43 and Zoom44 not only allowed global experts and leaders to communicate and collaborate, but it also allowed families and communities to maintain their connections despite a physical barrier. Advocacy and campaigns spread via social media have increased the awareness of world news and have created networks of support worldwide.

REFLECTIONS ON ‘YOUTH DIGITAL PATHWAYS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT’

As ‘digital natives’47, today’s youth are some of the best-placed to create sustainable solutions using technology. However, it is important to appreciate that this is collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach. Even the idea of a ‘digital native’ is contentious, as the long-term negative impacts of being ‘chronically online’ are not yet fully understood.

The ability to access social media and post on platforms is often used synonymously with being ‘digitally literate’. However, there is a skill to interpreting and critically appraising information online which some younger users may not have developed yet, as this is often formed with experience. This is not unique to young people: these skills can be acquired at any age, however, it is essential that young people are not put in positions of vulnerability. Perspectives and knowledge of multiple collaborators, of all ages, can be combined to produce the most effective solutions. In reference to the climate example, the widespread use of social media has been criticised for worsening climate anxiety in young people when not used effectively49.

Furthermore, misinformation can be rife on social media50, when not checked against evidence, thus undermining climate advocacy. Social media platforms have grown in popularity for use in educational, political, and professional spheres. Therefore, evaluation and solutions to reduce misinformation, including for climate, are ongoing51, with the aim of championing well-balanced, globally representative, evidence-based information online.

Overall, climate change remains one of multiple examples of where youth-led, digital engagement has made a substantial contribution to global progress. A Lancet and Financial Times commission from 202152 highlighted the continued drive of young people towards digitalisation of healthcare, policy, research, and health governance.

Governing Health Futures 2030 Youth Consultation Results Summary52

Therefore, it is essential that children and young people remain an intrinsic part of sustainable digital innovation, as the future generation of leaders, researchers, advocates and educators globally.

"The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today through their acquired skills."
World Youth Skills Day 2024

Written by: Ishani Sharma,  WHOCC Intern

Reviewed by: Rachel Barker, WHOCC Support Officer

REFERENCES:

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