By Joy Odor Abuja
Young people from across the world have issued a united call for peace, development, and climate action as part of events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations.
The anniversary commemorates the global unity that defeated fascism eight decades ago, ushering in a new world order anchored on peace, justice, and cooperation.
Since then, rapid scientific and technological progress has brought unprecedented prosperity and interconnectedness, but current global tensions, geopolitical rivalries, and environmental challenges threaten those gains.
In a joint declaration, the World Youth Peace Initiative, youth representatives stressed their generation’s responsibility to safeguard peace, uphold multilateralism, and promote equality among nations.
They urged young people everywhere to resist war, reject unilateralism, and defend the UN-based international order.
The initiative outlined five core pledges:
Defend world peace by drawing lessons from history and opposing all forms of violence and hegemonism.
Foster mutual learning among civilizations to build cultural understanding and harmony.
Promote win-win cooperation to advance the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and bridge global development divides.
Tackle climate change through innovative, youth-led environmental action.
Advance technology for social good by ensuring emerging innovations benefit all humanity.
“Young people must stand at the forefront of unity and action,” the statement declared, urging the global youth to see the anniversary as a “new starting point” for shaping a shared, peaceful future.
