UNDP launches special social media campaign targeting youth

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Maldives has launched a special social media campaign in time for International Youth Day celebration.

To mark International Youth Day on August 12th, UNDP has launched a special media campaign under the term “Youth Civic Engagement” – encouraging young people to express their hopes, thoughts and opinions on being an active citizen though photos or short video clips.

“The engagement and participation of young people is essential to achieve sustainable human development. There is need to ensure that young people are given equal opportunity to engage politically, economically and socially as a critical constituent of societies,” read the statement released by UNDP Maldives.

UNDP Maldives has said that the submissions selected to be the best would be featured on UNDP online and print materials, while the person with the submission that gathers the most amount of “likes” or generates the most substantial message would be provided the opportunity to join the team of UNDP Maldives in field work.

The organization noted that with half of the country’s population below 25 years of age, Maldivian youth faced a number of challenges including unemployment, rising crime rate and disillusionment.

“However, today's young people, with their incredible potential and drive, also offer high hopes for the future. “

UNDP Maldives noted that the organization would remain steadfast in joining the Maldivian government and development partners to create a society where youth’s potentials are fulfilled in a meaningful way.