International Youth Day 2022
Theme: Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages
Concept Note
INTRODUCTION:
To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world needs to leverage the full
potential of all generations. Solidarity across generations is key for sustainable development. We
must collaborate to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships
to ensure “no one is left behind.” While intergenerational solidarity and concern for future
generations is being called for in tackling global issues – with the UN Secretary-General recently
putting forward new recommendations on renewed intergenerational solidarity, including in
Our Common Agenda – many challenges remain.
Ageism continues to present a significant – yet, not sufficiently discussed – challenge to fostering
collaboration and solidarity across age groups. The World Health Organization defines ageism as
“the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed
towards others or oneself, based on age”. Ageism is an insidious and often an unaddressed issue
in health, human rights and development, and has bearings on both older and younger
populations around the world. In addition, ageism regularly intersects with other forms of bias
(such as racism and sexism) and impacts people in ways that prevent them to reach their full
potential and comprehensively contribute to their community.
The Global Report on Ageism launched by the United Nations in March 2021 highlights the many
data gaps that exist with regards to ageism against youth. Despite this lack of research, young
people continue to report age-related barriers in various spheres of their lives such as
employment, political participation, health and justice. On an individual level, these age-related
obstacles can deeply impact wellbeing and livelihoods not only during the youth years, but also
in adulthood. On a societal level, ageism prevents us from thinking and designing policies and
social services that adopt a life-course approach and are fair for all ages.
The Global Report on Ageism identifies intergenerational interventions as one of the three key
strategies to address ageism. Intergenerational activities can also lead to a greater sense of social
connectedness and strengthen intergenerational solidarity.
https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2022/06/2022-IYD-Concept-Note.pdf
https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/iyd2022.html
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