The 1.8 Billion Young People for Change campaign rallies youth in India

29 June 2023
Departmental news
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The 1.8 Billion Young People for Change campaign set the stage for a series of G20-related events in New Delhi, India, in June, focusing on adolescent health and well-being.

An energizing ‘Raahgiri’ street day, co-hosted by PMNCH, FIA Foundation, Raahgiri Foundation, WRI India, Nagarro, and Omaxe Chowk, was followed by a G20-related event on adolescent well-being organized by Government of India with PMNCH. The G20 event was a side event to the PMNCH Board meeting if 21-22 June in New Delhi.

The ‘Raahgiri’ youth-led event on 18 June was a dynamic, public event on the streets of Old Delhi, to inspire, foster connections, and raise awareness about the pressing issues affecting adolescents and young people. The event featured remarkable young champions, including Levi Singh, a passionate advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights; Ines Yabar, a sustainability activist from Peru; and Merette Khalil, an advocate for gender and sexual reproductive health and rights. The ‘Raahgiri’ event involved a broad range of community-based organizations, and emphasized messages of road safety and sustainable cities, as well as tobacco control and other health issues.

The Raagiri event was followed on 20 June by a day-long convening on adolescent issues:  

“Health of Youth – Wealth of Nation” pre-G20 event. This gathering, led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India with PMNCH, brought together more than 300 young advocates, ministers and experts to share knowledge and global good practices, emphasizing the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships and collaborations between government, civil society, the private sector, and meaningful youth engagement.

With 1.8 billion adolescents and youth aged 10 to 24 years old in the world today, the majority of this population resides in India. Experts contend that investment in this demographic can play a critical role in achieving India’s ambitious target of becoming a US$ 5 trillion economy. Given India’s demographic dividend and the Government of India’s recognition of the power of youth, the G20 presents a timely moment to draw focus on the need to invest in adolescents and youth, their health, and overall well-being.

During her opening remarks at the event, Rt Hon Helen Clark, Board Chair of PMNCH and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, stressed that investing in adolescents and youth is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. "Investment by G20 nations is essential for young people to prosper and thrive and to harness the demographic dividend," she remarked. "The call for investment is urgent, and the time to act is now as we only have seven years left to meet the sustainable development goals."

Health and education have been identified as key priorities of the Indian G20 presidency. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Health and Family Welfare for India, emphasized that the government of India recognizes the integral connection between the prosperity of the nation and the health and well-being of its adolescents and youth. "Young people have the capacity to be critical thinkers, changemakers, innovators, communicators, and leaders who can contribute to development of a nation through fresh perspectives and insight," he said. "As G20 nations, we share the responsibility of ensuring that. The G20 need to partner with youth in their capacity building."

Technical sessions at the meeting included a moderated panel discussion on “Multi-sectoral partnerships for engagement of adolescents and young people for health and well-being” and “Centre staging health and well-being of adolescents and young people”, which focused on sharing knowledge and good practices in implementing inter-sectoral policies and programmes across thematic areas, such as mental health, nutrition, sexual reproductive health, and violence prevention.

The day’s final event, the Youth Town Hall, gave the microphone directly to young people to share aspirations for their own health and wellbeing and focus on how policymakers can respond to them. Key topics highlighted included menstrual health and stigma, trans-rights, gender equality, mental health and the ongoing impacts of technology. 

Simultaneously, a marketplace was organized to facilitate knowledge-sharing, showcasing best practices and innovations in policies and programmes that have enabled G20 countries to advance the health and well-being of adolescents and youth.

The PMNCH-convened 1.8 Billion Young People for Change campaign advocates for adolescent well-being and aims to draw attention to youth issues in the build-up and during the SDG Summit in September 2023 and  the Global Forum for Adolescents on 11-12 October 2023.

The Forum will be the world’s largest-ever gathering for adolescent well-being, bringing together youth and adolescents, advocates, and global decision-makers. Through national events and a two-day virtual mainstage, the Forum will promote political and financial commitments toward improved adolescent health and well-being.

Media coverage in India