By Mark DaCosta- On International Youth Day 2025, the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) has taken a significant step forward in shaping a promising future for the nation’s youth. The movement’s declaration highlights a firm commitment to leveraging the potential of young people as essential contributors to our country’s sustainable development.
In a world that increasingly relies on the innovative mindsets of its youth, the FGM’s statement urges a collective awakening regarding the crucial roles young people can play in driving change. This year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” is a call for the honour and responsibility of empowering young minds, fostering their creativity, and harnessing their energies to build sustainable communities.
As our nation continues to navigate the complexities of development, it is essential to acknowledge that the youth of today are not merely future leaders; they are active agents of change right now. The FGM has unveiled an extensive policy framework aimed squarely at enhancing the lives of young Guyanese. The roadmap focuses on crucial areas such as skills development, leadership opportunities, and comprehensive growth strategies.
A particularly ambitious initiative outlined in their policy is the Guyana Youth Guarantee. This promise asserts that every individual under the age of 25 will be assured access to a quality job, educational placement, or training programme within four months of either leaving school or facing unemployment. By instituting such measures, the movement aims to fundamentally alter the landscape for thousands of young citizens, ensuring they have pathways to gainful employment and meaningful careers.
Additionally, the FGM intends to establish Youth Hubs throughout the regions, thus decentralising access to essential services. These hubs will not only offer career guidance and entrepreneurship resources, but will also provide facilities for arts, sports, and mental health support. This comprehensive approach recognises the diversity of challenges faced by youth, particularly in remote areas, and seeks to ensure that every young person is afforded equitable access to communal resources.
A notable highlight in the FGM’s agenda is the proposal for a Youth Advisory Assembly linked directly to Parliament. This initiative aims to embed youth perspectives within the decision-making processes of governance, ensuring that their concerns and aspirations are represented at the highest levels. The movement asserts that policies affecting the younger generation must be crafted with direct input from those affected, fostering a culture of inclusivity and engagement.
Moreover, the urgency of preparing young people for the future finds expression in plans to bolster digital literacy and innovative skills. Partnerships with international entities across the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America are envisioned to enrich local talent, positioning our youth as leaders in critical sectors such as technology and renewable energy. The FGM underscores that connecting youth with opportunities in the oil and gas industry is key to equipping them for roles in one of the country’s most promising sectors, positioning them as vital participants in the emerging economic landscape.
As we reflect on the significance of youth engagement, it becomes evident that their involvement is not an optional luxury; it is a necessity. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the importance of local governance, with over 65% of the targets directly connected to the contributions that young people can provide. The FGM highlights the transformative potential of youth action in bridging the divide between policy and community implementation, thus allowing national visions to manifest as local realities.
In this regard, the FGM calls upon all young Guyanese to reclaim their identities as active builders of our nation, rather than passive observers of its evolution. Under their leadership, there is a sincere promise to furnish the youth with the necessary tools, resources, and environments to flourish. This commitment is a rallying cry for collaboration, innovation, and empowerment, ensuring that every young person can see their dreams nurtured and their voices amplified.
In a landscape where the ruling party has often overlooked key youth issues, the FGM’s vision stands as a testament to what can be achieved when young people are prioritised. As the nation moves forward, it is imperative that the promise of a vibrant, inclusive future for our youth becomes a shared goal for all. Together, we must work tirelessly to nurture and realise the immense potential that resides within every young Guyanese, forging a path toward a thriving and equitable society.
