UNDER the inspiring theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, more than 100 youth leaders and stakeholders gathered at Duke Lodge for Guyana’s official observance of International Youth Day 2025 (IYD), a dynamic, youth-led forum that celebrated young changemakers and their pivotal role in localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hosted in partnership with the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) and UNICEF, and supported by other UN agencies, the conference placed young people at the centre of national conversations on sustainable development, with a sharp focus on action, innovation, and inclusion.

This year’s IYD theme underscores a global truth, in that achieving the SDGs depends on grassroots leadership. With over 65 per cent of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth are proving that meaningful progress begins within communities.

From the coast to the hinterland, Guyanese youth are mobilising for climate justice, inclusive education, gender equity, mental health awareness, clean energy, and civic participation. The forum created space for these efforts to be shared, strengthened, and scaled.

“This generation is not merely engaged; it is mobilised. Our youth are participating in national dialogues, raising awareness and holding leaders accountable. This event is about giving those efforts greater visibility and support,” said Mr. Gabriel Vockel, UNICEF Representative a.i. for Guyana and Suriname.

With an agenda co-designed and led by young people, the day featured an inspirational keynote panel, spotlighting local youth-led SDG initiatives, the launch of “Younited4GY”, a youth-led climate action group under UNICEF with a mission to educate, mobilise, and empower peers on environmental issues; and breakout workshops on health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), climate and sustainability (SDGs 6, 7, 13), and inclusive governance (SDGs 10, 12, 16, 17).

A powerful Commitment Circle was formed, whereby each participant pledged concrete action for their community in alignment with the SDGs.

Participants, including youth leaders from Policy Forum Guyana, UNICEF Youth Advocates, RCC’s Child Rights Ambassadors, STEMGuyana, Young Influencers GY, Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, and youth homes among other youth groups, described the conference as transformative.

“This was more than a celebration, it was a learning space, and a call to action. The workshops helped connect global goals to our lived experiences, and we leave with practical ideas and renewed energy to act,” said Youth Advocate, Aquila Obermuller.

In her address, Ms. Rosemary Benjamin-Noble, Deputy Chairperson of the Rights of the Child Commission, reflected on the deeper meaning of youth engagement and sustainability.

“You are the changemakers. You have youth on your side; full, productive years ahead. Advocate, lend your voice, educate and continue to be educated, and bring others with you! Remember the words, ‘And beyond’? They speak not only to action beyond 2030, but to the future generations that depend on your leadership today,” Benjamin-Noble said.

She emphasised the importance of partnership, urging young people to link the SDGs with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, highlighting that these goals are not lofty ideals, but “practical, grounded in realism and reachable.”

Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., praised Guyanese youth for shaping national development and urged institutions to “open doors and institutionalise youth engagement, not as a token gesture, but as a core part of governance.”

Both RCC and the UN pledged ongoing support for youth-led initiatives, with UNICEF reaffirming its commitment through mentorship, advocacy training, and direct investment in youth-driven solutions.

As the conference closed, participants expressed confidence that the day’s momentum would lead to concrete community actions. With strengthened partnerships and the launch of Younited4GY, youth left inspired and equipped to lead in climate action and sustainable development.

This International Youth Day was more than symbolic; it was a milestone in Guyana’s growing youth movement for change. And as young people pledged to act, connect, and lead, the message was clear, the SDGs are not just global goals, they are local responsibilities, and youth are ready. (UNICEF)