International Youth Forum of the Youth Association of the Women’s General Association of Macau

A recording of these remarks can be found on YouTube and Tencent.

Ms. Yan Zhichan, Deputy Director of the Macao Liaison Office, Central People’s Government,

Mr. Xu Feng, Deputy Director of the International Organizations and Legal Affairs Department, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region,

Dr. Gao Fei, Vice President of China Foreign Affairs University,

Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to express my gratitude to the Youth Association of the Women’s General Association of Macau for the invitation to address you today at the International Youth Forum.

As we gather here under the theme “Road to SDGs - We are the key,” we are reminded of the immense potential that lies within young people. Their energy, creativity, and determination are the driving forces that will shape the future, not only of Macao but also of the entire world.

The United Nations recognizes the pivotal role that young people, including young women and girls, play in advancing sustainable development. In 2018, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, launched the Youth 2030: The UN Youth Strategy. This strategy acknowledges that young people are not just beneficiaries of development but also agents of change. It emphasizes the importance of empowering young people, involving them in decision-making processes and underscores the urgency of engaging young minds in addressing the challenges of our time, particularly the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs provide a comprehensive blueprint for a better and more sustainable future for all. However, at the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we find that just 15 per cent of the SDG targets are on track while many are going in reverse. As we embark on a new phase of accelerated progress on the SDGs, this requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society, including young people. With more than 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24 around the world, this is the largest generation of youth in history. It will simply be impossible to achieve the SDGs by 2030 without this vital group of potential changemakers.

Young people have a unique perspective and innovative solutions to offer, especially when it comes to tackling complex issues like climate change, social inequality, and environmental sustainability. Their enthusiasm and dedication are driving forces for positive change.

In China, there are approximately 230 million young people between the ages of 10 and 24, constituting 16.5 per cent of the total population. The country is currently undergoing a profound demographic transition with an ageing population, which places increasing pressure on the younger generation, along with high competition for educational and job opportunities. Youth unemployment is a pressing concern. Recent data in June 2023 reveals that the urban unemployment rate for individuals aged 16 to 24, at 21.3 per cent, is almost four times the national average. Young women who are part of the workforce face even greater challenges, including discrimination in the job market and workplace and a gender pay gap of 12.6 per cent compared to their male counterparts. The UN in China, in collaboration with the Chinese government and relevant stakeholders, is committed to addressing these issues by promoting equal opportunities for all young people, regardless of gender. 

Here, today’s International Youth Forum can be a potential platform for more dialogue and knowledge exchange. It brings together representatives from various sectors, including the government, UN organizations, experts, and scholars. Hearing from this diverse range of voices can be essential in finding innovative solutions to the challenges we face.

This event’s focus on thematic discussions and group interactions aligns with the spirit of the UN Youth Strategy. It looks to encourage active participation and empower young people to take ownership of the SDGs, fostering a sense of global citizenship and responsibility.

In the main forum and the three parallel sub-forums today, you will delve into crucial topics such as economic empowerment and gender equality, environmental sustainability, health and livelihoods. These discussions will contribute to our collective understanding of how we can advance the SDGs in Macao and beyond, with the full participation of young people. 

In conclusion, let me express support for the Youth Association of the Women’s General Association of Macau and its dedication to the interests of women and girls along with youth empowerment and sustainable development, which can benefit young people of all stripes. Your commitment to nurturing young leaders and promoting international cooperation is commendable.

As we look ahead to a world that faces complex challenges, we must remember that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the architects of the world we want to create today. 

As the UN Secretary-General said, “Humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contributions of youth everywhere. Today and every day, let’s support and stand with young people in shaping a just and sustainable world, for people and planet.”

Thank you, and I look forward to the inspiring discussions that will unfold throughout this forum. Together, we hold the key to achieving the SDGs and making the world a better place for current and future generations.