Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has sent a message to the Kenyan youth as the world marks International Youth Day, 2024.
The Orange party in a statement shared via its official X account passed its wishes to the young generation in the country, with a quote that resonates with the current agenda of Gen Zs in Kenya.
ODM on role of youth
ODM urged the young generation to remember that “Youth is the canvas upon which the masterpiece of tomorrow is painted”.
“To all the Young People in the country, Happy International Youth Day. As you mark this important day, please remember; Youth is the canvas upon which the masterpiece of tomorrow is painted,” ODM stated.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris in response to ODM’s message shared this year’s theme, stating that they will be celebrating the incredible energy, creativity and potential that young people bring to the communities and beyond.
Young people worldwide are agents of change, playing a key role in the achievement of the #GlobalGoals.
On Monday’s #YouthDay, join us in celebrating the determination, ideas and leadership of young people as we pursue a better world. https://t.co/rt7H5u6mTv pic.twitter.com/DjaTTToSNb
— United Nations (@UN) August 12, 2024
“This year’s theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”. We celebrate the incredible energy, creativity and potential that young people bring to our communities and beyond, whether through activism, innovation or simply dreaming big,” Passaris stated in a statement shared via her official X account.
This year’s theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”.
We celebrate the incredible energy, creativity and potential that young people bring to our communities and beyond, whether through activism, innovation or simply dreaming big.… https://t.co/6oaP3DYAoB— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) August 12, 2024
Kenyan youth’s efforts
The youth in Kenya have been pushing for a new country, demanding changes in leadership through the widespread protests.
The protests, which started as a move to reject the unpopular Finance Bill 2024, metamorphosized into an anti-government push, where a raft of changes in government leadership have been demanded.
The push by the youth forced President William Ruto to withdraw and reject the Finance Bill 2024, dissolve his Cabinet and reappoint it afresh, and tap individuals from the opposition to his Cabinet, in what he has termed as forming an all-inclusive government.
However, appointing four ODM members as Cabinet Secretaries has not been received well by the youth, you went ahead to plan for another round of protests dubbed Nane Nane, which were thwarted by the police.
However, the youth have vowed to continue with their push, with another round of protests set for Wednesday, August 14, 2024, this week.
International Youth Day
International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations that takes place on August 12, every year, with the aim of drawing attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding the youth.
The first IYD was observed on August 12, 2000.
The theme for International Youth Day 2024 is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
Young people worldwide are agents of change, playing a key role in the achievement of the #GlobalGoals.
On Monday’s #YouthDay, join us in celebrating the determination, ideas and leadership of young people as we pursue a better world. https://t.co/rt7H5u6mTv pic.twitter.com/DjaTTToSNb
— United Nations (@UN) August 12, 2024
The theme highlights the key connection between digitalization and accelerating the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the crucial contributions of young people in this transformative process.