Gaborone, BOTSWANA- The esteemed University of Botswana played host to a vibrant celebration of the 2024 International Youth Day. This lively day, held under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," was characterized by a range of educational and entertaining activities that resonated deeply with the young attendees.

Hosted by the Botswana Family Welfare Association in collaboration with UNFPA, two organizations dedicated to youth empowerment, prioritized this theme to leverage on the role of digital technologies to reach more young people with a crucial message of dual protection.  The activity was framed within the recognition that young people in Botswana have a high mobile penetration and they are comfortable using digital platforms.  However there is a need to support implementation of robust data protection policies and practices that safeguard young people’s access to enhance digital inclusion, using technology to drive change and create solutions.    . 

Key highlights included a dynamic podcast discussion on how digital tools can boost health and business skills; Smart Health, where young people learned how digital resources can keep them informed about dual contraceptives and staying safe. Other notable activities included the Biz Boost, which helped them discover how technology can help launch and grow their own businesses, and Healthy Success, which explored how taking care of one’s health can enhance their career and vice versa. Overcoming Hurdles provided tips on overcoming challenges that often come with the use of digital tools, such as racism, misogyny, and increased risks of gender-based violence, especially on adolescent girls. 

The BOFWA Mobile Clinic, which provided free health services like STI screening, HIV testing, the provision of all sexual reproductive health commodities, and instruction on how to use them, was quite a hit as the youth enthusiastically embraced it. As a result, 2400 youth were given condoms, twenty one underwent HIV testing, twenty underwent STI screening, three received depo provera injections, and three more had implants. One young person received PrEP, two received the emergency contraceptive pill, and another two received birth control tablets. A total of 133 people received information regarding the use of contraceptives. 

The energy was palpable as young minds connected, shared ideas, and envisioned a future where technology serves as a catalyst for positive change. Born into a digital world, young people are embracing the opportunities that technology brings, including access to education, jobs, and quality information on sexual and reproductive health. 

Empowering youth is at the heart of UNFPA’s mandate. We believe that by investing in young people, we invest in our collective future. We also believe that there cannot be sustainable development for any country without investment in its largest human resource, the youth.

This commemoration of International Youth Day reinforced UNFPA’s commitment to empowering young people across the country and served as a powerful reminder of the potential of the nation’s youth. With continued support from UNFPA and its partners, these young people are poised to lead the charge on the front of digital rights and bodily autonomy.

At the recent Global Youth Dialogue, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem said, “UNFPA will always stand with young people.” UNFPA champions the rights of young people around the world and works to enable them to fulfill their potential. 

UNFPA and BOFWA's collaboration exemplified the power of partnership. By leveraging their respective strengths, they created a platform where young people could not only celebrate their digital prowess but also harness it for sustainable development.

We put young people first.