The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), together with other United Nations agencies, supported the National Youth Commission’s celebration of International Youth Day last August 12 to 13.

The event, attended by members of youth-led organizations under the NYC’s Youth Organization Registration Program (YORP), featured speeches from NYC Executive Director Leah Talde Villalon and Commissioner Representing Mindanao Alexa Danielle Dayanghirang. 

The participants also watched video messages from Undersecretary Angelo M. Tapales of the Council for the Welfare of Children and UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez.

For her message of support, UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane talked about how UNFPA champions the rights of young people and empowers them for young people’s meaningful participation in their community and the society.

She shared the importance of empowering the youth to take advantage of the current window of opportunity to accelerate economic growth and sustainable development called the “demographic dividend.”

Joudane discussed the challenges faced by the Filipino youth, such as adolescent pregnancies and forced early marriage, which limit girls’ education and economic opportunities.

“While the cases of HIV infection globally are decreasing, the Philippines is experiencing a spike in new cases. And around half of newly infected are from young people aged 15-24. This is why UNFPA is supporting the rollout of comprehensive sexuality education in school, and to out-of-school youth,” Joudane added.

She emphasized the power of youth to drive transformation and make a lasting impact amid climate change and social inequality. 

“Your potential is boundless, your dreams are valid and your actions can make a difference to achieving sustainable development,” Joudane told the more than 200 attendees of the event.

At UNFPA’s booth, participants learn about the #Bodyright campaign against online abuse and the http://rh-care.info site, which contains accurate information about comprehensive sexuality education, sexual and reproductive health and rights and other important topics. 

The participants wore temporary “b tattoos” on their hands and arms to show support for the Bodyright campaign and the many women, girls and people of diverse SOGIE who are survivors of online violence.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also discussed the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals and how the youth can work towards a sustainable future through learning “green skills.”

A survey of the session showed that the majority of the participants were inspired to take more action in support of the SDGs while many also understand better how the future of work can be changed for the better by a greener economy.

UNICEF also shared their work related to the protection of children and youth, and modeling of innovations to promote and facilitate children's rights.

Meanwhile, UNFPA talked about its work with adolescents, including ensuring the rollout of comprehensive sexuality education, building capacity through youth leadership and governance program, strengthening systems to ensure youth-friendly services and generating data and evidence on the lives and needs of young people.

P-Pop artists Hazel Faith, Caleb Santos and Miguel Salamat also performed at the event to promote Filipino music among the youth. #