Today, Somalia joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Youth Day 2024, acknowledging the incredible contributions of young people and recognizing their vital role in shaping the future. This year's theme, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," captures a powerful reality. Digital technologies are revolutionizing how we live and work, offering unprecedented opportunities for progress and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring no one is left behind. 

Globally, approximately two out of three people, or 5.4 billion individuals, now use the internet, according to the ITU. Digital technologies contribute to more than 70% of the 169 SDG targets while potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion.

In Somalia, with over 30% of the population aged 15-24, youth are increasingly engaging with these technologies to drive change. The 2022 Voluntary National Review (VNR) report highlights that digital technologies are crucial in advancing SDG targets, particularly those related to education, health, and economic growth. Digital innovation is a key driver of development in Somalia. 

In Mogadishu, an event was organized to commemorate the International Youth Day under the leadership of Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports with support from UNDP Somalia. The event brought together young people, government officials, and international partners to discuss the role of youth in driving digital innovation and sustainable development in Somalia. 

Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Mohamud Abdikadir Jeego, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, highlighted the transformative power of digitalization, "The commemoration of International Youth Day is crucial for our youth, as it addresses their roles, challenges, and opportunities. This year’s theme, resonates deeply with our mission. As the Federal Government of Somalia, we are committed to empowering our youth by providing them with the essential skills needed to thrive in the digital age. By supporting their education in technology and digital platforms, we are equipping them to harness these tools for innovation and development. Somali youth have shown remarkable resilience and determination, and with the right support, they will continue to drive our nation's progress and build a brighter future for all."

The 2022 Somalia Integrated Household Budget Survey shows that 85% of the Somali population aged 15 and older owns a mobile phone, and 81.8% use it for financial transactions, reflecting significant progress in recent years. Somali youth are at the forefront of this digital revolution, harnessing technology to address both local and global challenges. Youth-led digital initiatives are contributing to economic growth and advancing educational opportunities. However, significant barriers remain.

"Today, we are excited to support the upcoming Youth, Peace, and Security Plan under the leadership of Somalia’s federal Ministry of Youth and Sports," said Lionel Laurens, Resident Representative of UN Development Programme in Somalia. "This initiative will empower youth to play a central role in peacebuilding and security, integrating digital innovation into these efforts by amplifying youth voices and addressing the intersection of digitalization with peace and security to build more inclusive and resilient communities."

"Somali youth have endured many challenges that the country has faced, including conflicts and droughts, yet they have not been discouraged. They are among those driving the country's development, particularly in digital transformation. The technology sector is predominantly comprised of Somali youth, whether they have studied abroad or within the country,” said Abdisalam Salamulah, Deputy Director, Somalia Youth Hub.

Somali youth have grown up witnessing protracted conflict and instability and have an obvious craving for active engagement in the social, democratic, and economic spheres of their community. Youth employment has been one of the major issues of focus for the you of the country. As the country is moving forward on the steady path to recovery, the event provided youth Somali champions to voice a strong message to all actors within and outside the country to harness the power of digitalization for accelerating progress and shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Somalia.