International Youth Day: Empowering the Next Generation of Change Makers with UNDP’s People for 2030 Strategy
“Young people are at the frontlines of the struggle to build a better future for all,” — UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Youth remain at the forefront of the global movement towards a better future and on International Youth Day, we celebrate their incredible power and potential to shape our world. Their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is driving solutions to the challenges we face today and those that lie ahead and their digital fluency and unwavering commitment to sustainable development position them perfectly to advance UNDP’s mission.
UNDP’s Commitment to Young Talent
UNDP’s People for 2030 Strategy, launched in 2019, is deeply invested in the empowerment and development of young people. The strategy aims to transform UNDP’s culture and capacity to deliver impactful development results. A cornerstone of this commitment is the establishment of new pathways for young, talented individuals to join UNDP and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Most notable is UNDP’s multi-award-winning Graduate Programme which targets talented individuals from underrepresented communities. The Graduate Programme received an impressive 37,000 applications in its first year, with 50% of its pioneering cohort continuing their career journey with UNDP after completing the programme, setting a new standard for talent development within the UN system.
In addition, the African Young Women Leaders (AYWL) Fellowship Programme, introduced as part of People for 2030 and in cooperation with the African Union Commission (AUC) to develop the next generation of young African women leaders and experts to serve Africa and the world, has so far provided unique career opportunities to nearly 100 talented African women. Furthermore, the UNDP-UNV Talent Programme for Young Professionals with Disabilities has allowed over 60 Young Professionals with Disabilities to gain valuable experience.
Alongside longstanding entry programmes like the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme, these targeted programmes are about increasing workforce diversity and building a talent pipeline of committed professionals for the #nextgeneration UNDP and the international development sector through attracting and engaging young people from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented or disadvantaged sections of the population.
Another critical aspect of People for 2030’s commitment to young people is the introduction of stipends for all interns, offering better opportunities to candidates from diverse backgrounds. By paying interns, UNDP is ensuring that financial background does not become a barrier to gaining valuable internship experience within the UN system. This policy positions UNDP as one of the few UN agencies committed to such inclusivity, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
#FutureSmart UNDP — Embracing Gen Z and the New World of Work
As the world of work rapidly evolves, especially following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Industry 4.0, and changing generational values, People for 2030 is designed to harness these changes and UNDP is increasingly recognizing the unique qualities and aspirations of Gen Z, the next generation workforce. This generation, characterized by its digital fluency, adaptability, and desire for meaningful work, is driving a seismic shift in attitudes towards work.
Designed with the future in mind, the People for 2030 Strategy understands that a transition away from traditional command and control to a more collaborative and innovative approach to work is crucial for UNDP to thrive as a global development organization in the 21st century.
By reducing silos and opening up to new talent, UNDP can capitalize on the unique strengths of Gen Z and a multi-generational workforce, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global development efforts and continues to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
Tune into our special podcast episode of #FutureSmart UNDP on the 5th anniversary of the People for 2030 Strategy. Discover how UNDP’s young talent programmes are driving significant career and organizational advancements, highlighting the strategy’s dedication to engaging young talent and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Join us in celebrating and supporting the youth who are shaping a better future for all.
International Youth Day
In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation by the World Conference of Ministers of Youth that August 12 be declared International Youth Day. Over the last two decades, the annual International Youth Day celebrations have covered a wide array of themes relevant to young people, from food security and mental health to intergenerational solidarity and green skills, highlighting critical connections between youth and sustainable development. The theme for this year is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”.
