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Intergenerational solidarity for youth around the globe

24 August 2022
ITC News

ITC and WIPO celebrate International Youth Day 2022 with three activities

On 12 August 2022, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) celebrated International Youth Day 2022 by hosting a panel discussion with young leaders and international experts. 

Under this year’s topic Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages, the virtual discussion highlighted the need for collaboration to include innovation and youth in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

Video

23 August 2022
Watch the full webinar recording.

Eight young entrepreneurs and leaders from Africa, Asia, Central Asia, and Latin America had the opportunity to express their thoughts and make their voices heard. 

The event brought together more than 350+ participants from across the globe. Switzerland, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Philippines were among the countries with the highest participation, with 70% being under the age of 30.  

In her welcoming remarks, moderator Aya Chebbi, Former African Union Envoy on Youth, and Diplomat, highlighted that, “there is no doubt that today we do have a generational gap. The average age of world leaders to this day is 62 years old and yet nearly half of the world population is under 30. When I served as youth envoy at the African Union, I called for intergenerational co-leadership, because I believe that we cannot inherit systems we did not co design.” 

The keynote speech was delivered by Edward Kwakwa, Assistant Director General, Global Challenges, and partnership sector at WIPO. He opened by stating, “I am grateful that WIPO and ITC jointly engage young people in the service of making the world a better place. Thus, we can ignite creativity, ingenuity, and an entrepreneurial spirit in young people across the globe.” 

The young panellists work in the nexus of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Each of them shared their inspirations for creating solutions and explained how intergenerational solidarity played a role in supporting their creative and innovative processes. 

Nadia Owusu, a young Ghanaian innovator, and member of the United Youth Initiative Africa added that, “we want the older generation to be able to look at us young people and know that we are filled with so much creativity, exuberance, and knowledge to bring forth to the table.” 

The conversation around intergenerational solidarity is set to close the gap when addressing social and economic issues and the underestimation of young people’s capacities. However, the conversation also addresses the challenge of bringing different age groups together, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and mutual support. 

 

Looking forward to more 

ITC and WIPO are hosting two more activities, spreading youth day into youth month. 

Join us on 20 September for a film screening by a young director, and an art and exhibition fair at WIPO Campus on 4 October.  

Register here to attend the hybrid film screening.