Kumusta? That’s “hello” from a Filipino probinsyano (someone from the province) like me. I grew up in Cebu, and I’ve always known one thing: community matters. Seeing how we came together, especially the youth, to make things better? That’s something special. And right now, we need that bayanihan spirit – that sense of working together – more than ever, to tackle some seriously big global problems.

I’m talking about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN came up with these in 2015. Think of them as a plan to make the world a better, fairer, and more sustainable place for everyone. They hit on things like poverty, inequality, climate change, and making sure everyone gets a good education and healthcare. But just having goals isn’t enough. We need everyone on board, and honestly? Young people need to lead the way.

Why Youth Engagement Matters

Why focus on young people? Simple. They are the present, not just the future. They’ve got the energy, the ideas, and the drive to make real change happen. They grew up with tech, so they know how to connect, organize, and come up with new solutions. And, maybe most importantly, they’re going to be living with the consequences if we don’t build a sustainable world.

Let’s be real. Climate change? It’s going to hit young people the hardest. Economic inequality? It’s already limiting their chances. And if they don’t get a good education? That’s potential wasted. The SDGs are about fixing these things, so it makes total sense to get young people involved.

Youth-Led Initiatives: Seeds of Change

Across the globe, young people are already stepping up. They’re starting companies that make a difference, pushing for better laws, and raising awareness about the stuff that matters. Check out these examples:

• Climate Action: We’re seeing young activists organizing strikes, demanding real environmental action from our leaders, and pushing for eco-friendly habits in their own towns. Think Greta Thunberg – she started a global movement just by skipping school to protest climate change!
• Poverty Reduction: Young entrepreneurs are creating businesses that help their communities, giving people jobs and meeting the needs of those who are struggling. Back home in the Philippines, I’ve seen young people building sustainable businesses through eco-tourism and organic farming.
• Education and Equality: There are youth-led groups out there working to make sure everyone gets a good education, especially girls and kids in poor areas. They’re also fighting for gender equality and challenging outdated attitudes.

These young people are proof that they can be real leaders. They’re not just waiting for change to happen; they’re making it happen.

My Own Journey: Kabalikat Para Sa Kabataan

I started my own journey because I wanted to give young people in my community a boost. That’s why I created Kabalikat Para Sa Kabataan (Partners for the Youth). It’s all about giving young Filipinos the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. We focus on education, helping them develop leadership skills, and getting them involved in their communities. We even have a website where they can connect and advocate for the things they care about.

What I’ve learned is that young people have so much to offer, but they face a lot of obstacles. They need funding, mentors, and a system that actually lets them have a say in the decisions that affect them.

Overcoming Challenges and Empowering Youth

If we want young people to really help us achieve the SDGs, we’ve got to tackle these problems head-on. Here’s how:

• Invest in Education: Give young people a solid education that gives them the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s world. That means teaching them about sustainable development – how everything is connected, from social issues to the economy to the environment.
• Create Opportunities: Support young entrepreneurs and give them access to funding and mentors. Things like incubators, accelerators, and microfinance programs can make a huge difference.
• Promote Youth Leadership: Encourage young people to step up and become leaders in their communities. Give them the training and support they need to be effective.
• Foster Intergenerational Cooperation: Create spaces for young and older people to work together, sharing their knowledge and experience. Mentoring programs can be incredibly valuable here.
• Amplify Youth Voices: Make sure young people have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that affect their lives. That means including them in policy discussions and supporting their advocacy efforts.

The Importance of Intergenerational Cooperation

The SDGs are everyone’s job, and we need all generations working together to achieve them. Older folks can offer their experience and wisdom, while young people bring fresh ideas and a new way of looking at things. When we combine those strengths, amazing things can happen.

I’ve seen this firsthand. When I was starting Kabalikat Para Sa Kabataan, I teamed up with some experienced community leaders. Their advice and support were invaluable. They helped me navigate the challenges of running a non-profit and make the biggest impact possible.

A Call to Action: Tara Na! (Let’s Go!)

The SDGs aren’t just a list of goals; they’re a call to action. They’re an invitation to build a better world for ourselves and for future generations. And young people have to be part of that effort.

So, what can you do? Here are a few ideas:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about the SDGs and how they connect to your own life and community.
• Get Involved: Volunteer with a local organization that’s working on sustainable development.
• Take Action: Start your own project to address a problem you care about.
• Spread the Word: Talk to your friends, family, and classmates about the SDGs and encourage them to get involved.
• Use Your Voice: Advocate for policies that support sustainable development.

Tara na! Let’s get to work and build a more sustainable and equitable world for everyone. The future is in our hands, and it’s up to us to make it a bright one.

Maraming Salamat! (Thank you very much!)