Youth Imbizo on the Summit of the Future: Activating Youth and Safeguarding Future Generations
Venue: NYDA, 7 Naivasha Road, Sunninghill
COSATU would like to congratulate the National Youth Development Agency on successfully convening and hosting of the UN Youth Imbizo on the Summit of the Future with the United Nations South Africa Office. The Federation is deeply aligned with the values of worker rights, social equity, and the importance of a just transition in all aspects of development. The current global landscape is defined by a multitude of challenges that include climate change, unemployment, poverty, inequality, and the digital divide—all of which have a profound impact on the youth of South Africa.
Youth, as key drivers of social and economic change, stand at the intersection of these challenges and are both the most affected and the most capable of driving transformative solutions. The upcoming Summit of the Future represents a critical opportunity to ensure that the voices of young people are not just heard but are instrumental in shaping the policies and frameworks that will guide our collective future.
Key Areas of Focus
Sustainable Development and Financing:
· Current Challenges: The SDG financing gap remains a significant barrier to achieving sustainable development in South Africa. This gap particularly affects young people, who often lack access to the resources necessary to drive change in their communities.
· COSATU’s Position: We advocate for increased investment in education, vocational training, and job creation initiatives that are specifically designed to empower the youth. Additionally, COSATU calls for a more equitable distribution of resources to ensure that all young people, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from sustainable development.
· Actionable Strategies: Establishing partnerships that focus on youth-led enterprises and social enterprises. COSATU also supports the implementation of the SDG Stimulus to bridge the financing gap, ensuring that youth-driven initiatives receive adequate funding.
Youth as Drivers of Peace and Development:
· Current Challenges: Youth often find themselves excluded from formal decision-making processes, particularly in areas related to peacebuilding and governance. This exclusion can lead to disenfranchisement and unrest.
· COSATU’s Position: COSATU believes in the power of inclusive governance and community participation. Young people must be at the forefront of efforts to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Their role in conflict prevention, resolution, and recovery is crucial.
· Actionable Strategies: Promote youth leadership in local and national governance structures, ensuring that young people have a say in policies that affect their lives. COSATU advocates for the creation of youth councils and advisory bodies within government institutions.
Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation:
· Current Challenges: The digital divide and unequal access to technology limit the ability of many young people to participate fully in the modern economy and in global conversations.
· COSATU’s Position: COSATU supports efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all young people have access to the tools and training necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world. Innovation should be harnessed to create sustainable solutions that address the challenges facing our communities.
· Actionable Strategies: Investment in STEM education and digital literacy programs targeted at underserved youth populations. COSATU also encourages partnerships between government, the private sector, and educational institutions to foster innovation that benefits society as a whole.
Listening to the Future: Youth as Key Development Stakeholders:
· Current Challenges: There is often a disconnect between the needs and aspirations of young people and the policies being developed at national and international levels.
· COSATU’s Position: Young people are not just beneficiaries of development—they are key stakeholders whose ideas, energy, and creativity are vital to the success of any development initiative. COSATU supports the integration of youth perspectives into all aspects of policy development and governance.
· Actionable Strategies: Establish regular forums and dialogues where young people can directly engage with policymakers. COSATU also advocates for the inclusion of youth representatives in all major decision-making bodies.
Youth Leading Global Action:
· Current Challenges: Global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and pandemics require collective action that transcends borders. However, youth voices are often underrepresented in these global conversations.
· COSATU’s Position: Youth must be at the forefront of global action to address these interconnected challenges. COSATU calls for the empowerment of young leaders to take on active roles in international organizations and movements.
· Actionable Strategies: Support the establishment of global youth networks that can collaborate on issues such as climate action, social justice, and human rights. COSATU also encourages the participation of young people in international summits and conferences, ensuring their perspectives are included in global decision-making processes.
Conclusion
The future belongs to the youth, and it is imperative that we, as a society, provide them with the tools, opportunities, and platforms to lead. COSATU remains committed to supporting the empowerment of young people in all sectors of society, calling for the realisation of SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 7 o Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth as well as SDG 13 on Climate Action.
The Youth Imbizo on the Summit of the Future is a vital step in ensuring that the voices of South African youth are not only heard but are instrumental in shaping a future that is inclusive, just, and sustainable for all.
Post-Event Engagement
Following the event, COSATU looks forward to engaging with participants to translate the insights and strategies discussed into concrete actions. We look forward to sharing the COSATU Just Transition for Young Workers, which is an extension of the COSATU Just Transition and discourse. We will continue to advocate for the interests of young people at all levels of governance and ensure that their contributions are recognized and valued.
Together, we can activate youth leadership and safeguard the future for generations to come.
Issued by COSATU
Boitumelo Molete
Social Development Coordinator, COSATU
072 306 1994
Boitumelo@cosatu.org.za