Did you know that every second person on the planet is a young person under 30? And by 2030, their share will grow to 57%!* This is a generation that cannot imagine their life without the Internet and gadgets, a generation that sets trends and changes the world. It is not surprising that the theme of International Youth Day this year, celebrated annually on August 12, is "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development".

In 2022, three-quarters of young people aged 15 to 24 actively used the Internet, ahead of other age groups.* They are true pioneers of the digital world, who easily master new technologies and use them for self-expression, communication, and learning. It is they who create new content formats, launch startups, and change the world around them.

However, on a global level, despite the enormous potential of young people in the digital world, it is important to recognize that not everyone has equal access to technologies and opportunities. The digital divide and inequality persist, and in terms of gender, women have less access to the Internet than men worldwide (63% of women compared to 69% of men). Similarly, there is also a gap in the acquisition of digital skills; teenage girls and young women tend to have limited digital skills compared to their male peers.*

That is why the event dedicated to International Youth Day in Ashgabat acquired special significance. It was aimed at raising awareness of the need to overcome these barriers, promoting gender equality, inclusivity, and empowering young people, especially girls, in the digital space. About 100 young people, including representatives with disabilities, gathered at the event organized by the UNFPA Office in Turkmenistan together with the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports of Turkmenistan. It is important to note that this event was planned and conducted by the young people themselves.

The event opened with inspiring performances by young people with disabilities who demonstrated their fortitude and talent. Mr. Elchin Gulamov delighted everyone with his playing a musical instrument, and Ms. Shabibi Osmanova read a poem that deeply touched participants.

During the event, there was a fascinating presentation by the young blogger Mr. Abdyrahym Agajykov about media and digital literacy, which not only helped the participants understand the intricacies of the online world but also learn to distinguish truth from fakes. In addition, the presentation emphasized the importance of responsible use of social media to promote positive ideas and values, such as gender equality, tolerance, and mutual respect. Young people learned about important aspects of gender ethics in social networks and ways to create a safe and respectful digital space for everyone.

An interactive quiz on gender equality and sports evoked a lively response from the participants. Young people enthusiastically answered questions, demonstrating their knowledge and breaking down gender stereotypes in sports and society. The quiz became an excellent platform for discussing important issues related to gender equality.

Special attention was paid to a safe and inclusive digital future. Within the mock of a round table staging "Safe and Healthy Digital Future for All", the participants discussed not only issues of cybersecurity, personal data protection, and ethical use of technologies but also the importance of ensuring equal access to digital services for all.

The culmination of the event was the bright performances of young gymnasts from the 13th Sports School of Ashgabat and the Gymnastics Federation of Turkmenistan. And the incendiary flash mob, in which all participants took part, became a symbol of unity, energy, and the desire of the young generation to create a better future.

International Youth Day in Ashgabat became not only a holiday but also an important step towards creating an inclusive and sustainable digital future where every young person has equal access to technologies and information, as well as can unleash their potential and contribute to the development of society.

 * United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)