MANILA, 16 September 2024 – Climate change, education, health, and jobs are the top concerns for nearly 3,000 young people in the Philippines, who took part in the latest U-Report poll, organized by the United Nations.
About
26 per cent of young people in the country believe that “climate change and
natural disasters” will be the biggest problem they’ll face in the future while
23 per cent are worried about not “being able to finish their education.”
“Health (physical and mental)” and “finding a job” are also major concerns,
identified by 22 per cent.
U-Report is a digital community, powered by UNICEF, for young
people, by young people, where they can raise their voices and share opinions
on topics that matter to them. It empowers the youth to find out about issues
that affect them and take action to influence their leaders.
The
key findings were released before the upcoming Summit of the Future 2024 in New
York on 22-23 September. It is a once-in-a-generation summit where advocates
and leaders from across the globe discuss and draw up a consensus—a “Pact for
the Future”—on what the world should do today to safeguard tomorrow.
Youth’s
perspective on national issues
Young
people see the lack of entry-level jobs (33 per cent) and the current economic
conditions (26 per cent) as their two biggest obstacles in getting a job or
starting a business in the future. Other concerns are the lack of access to
quality education (20 per cent) and the disruption AI technology has brought
and can bring (18 per cent).
The
same issues surface when asked, in an open-ended question, what they will do as
President of the Philippines to build a better future. Education, health, and economy
figure in most of the answers asking the government to prioritize these
critical issues.
Other
national issues mentioned extensively are corruption, agriculture, poverty, and
the environment.
What
gives them hope
While
youth are split on whether the future generation is “worse off” or “better off”
(44 per cent vs 37 per cent) they do see the value that rapid technological
innovations and democratic access to information can bring. They also find hope
in how young people now are getting more and more involved in global issues. In
fact, more than 80 per cent of the respondents believe that the work of the
United Nations is important in creating a better world.
“Our generation
is passionate about making a difference. We make noise and initiate movements
for social change, from racial justice to climate action. We use social media
to raise awareness,” writes one survey participant.
Another writes: “The fighting spirit of young
Filipinos gives me hope that someday, our lives will be better.”
UN
Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez lauds the commitment and
contributions of children and young people in the Philippines. He sees their
value as genuine partners of the United Nations.
"I
want to thank every young person who is making their voice heard for an
inclusive and sustainable world. New generations are bringing a reinvigorated
sense of solidarity and a compelling call for collective action. Both are
essential to build the future we want," he said.
“The U-Report findings reveal the sobering, yet hopeful outlook young people have about their prospects for the future. We should listen to what they have to say and work together to address these issues so that every child is cared for, protected, and given a fair chance in life,” says UNICEF Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov. UNICEF will celebrate their fervent voices this 20 November, World Children’s Day. #
Summit of the Future website - United Nations | United Nations
