More than 100 young leaders and stakeholders gathered at Duke Lodge on Friday for Guyana’s official observance of International Youth Day (IYD) 2025, under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.”
The youth-led forum, hosted in partnership with the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) and UNICEF, and supported by other UN agencies, spotlighted the pivotal role of young people in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organisers said the event underscored that with over 65 percent of SDG targets tied to local governance, grassroots leadership is essential for progress.
From climate justice and inclusive education to gender equity, mental health, clean energy, and civic participation, Guyanese youth showcased initiatives already transforming communities across the country. UNICEF Representative a.i. for Guyana and Suriname, Gabriel Vockel, praised their efforts: “This generation is not merely engaged; it is mobilised. Our youth are participating in national dialogues, raising awareness, and holding leaders accountable. This event is about giving those efforts greater visibility and support.”
The conference agenda was co-designed by young people and featured a keynote panel highlighting local SDG initiatives, breakout workshops on health, education, gender equality, climate action, and governance, and the launch of “Younited4GY,” a new youth-led climate action group under UNICEF. A “Commitment Circle” was also formed, where each participant pledged concrete action within their community.
Youth Advocate Aquila Obermuller described the event as transformative: “This was more than a celebration, it was a learning space, and a call to action. The workshops helped connect global goals to our lived experiences, and we leave with practical ideas and renewed energy to act.”
Deputy Chairperson of the RCC, Rosemary Benjamin-Noble, urged participants to see themselves as changemakers: “You have youth on your side, full, productive years ahead. Advocate, lend your voice, educate and continue to be educated, and bring others with you. Remember the words ‘and beyond’? They speak not only to action beyond 2030, but to the future generations that depend on your leadership today.”
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., called on institutions to institutionalize youth engagement: “Open doors and institutionalise youth engagement, not as a token gesture, but as a core part of governance.”
Both the RCC and the UN pledged sustained support for youth-led efforts, with UNICEF reaffirming its commitment through mentorship, advocacy training, and investment in youth-driven solutions.
As the conference closed, participants expressed optimism that the momentum generated would translate into concrete community action. With strengthened partnerships and the launch of Younited4GY, youth leaders said they were leaving empowered to advance climate action and sustainable development.
Organizers described this year’s observance as more than symbolic — a milestone in Guyana’s growing youth movement for change, where young people are proving that the SDGs are not just global goals, but local responsibilities.
