International Youth Day Celebrated in Ethiopia: Advancing Inclusive Innovation and Youth Leadership

Young people are playing an increasingly important role in shaping Ethiopia's development through innovation, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and the use of digital technologies. As the country undergoes rapid digital transformation, new opportunities are emerging for youth to contribute to national development. At the same time, challenges remain, including the need to strengthen digital skills, promote safe and inclusive online spaces, and expand meaningful partnerships that enable young people to participate in decision-making processes and drive positive change in their communities.

To mark International Youth Day, approximately 200 participants, including youth organizations, university students, innovators, government representatives, UN agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and private-sector actors, gathered to celebrate the achievements and potential of Ethiopia's young people. The event aimed to showcase youth-led innovation, strengthen intergenerational dialogue, and generate practical recommendations on how young people can contribute to national development through technology, partnerships, civic engagement, and responsible digital citizenship.

In his engagement with the youth, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) Ozonnia Ojielo (PhD) emphasized the importance of ensuring that innovation is genuinely inclusive. He stressed that digital opportunities must reach all young people, particularly young women, rural youth, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities, so that no young Ethiopian is left behind in the country's development journey. The RC/HC highlighted that equitable access to technology and innovation is critical to unlocking the full potential of Ethiopia's youth and achieving sustainable development.

Calling on young people to take an active role in shaping their future, the RC/HC encouraged them to lead with confidence and creativity. He urged youth not to wait for permission to innovate, but instead to use their energy, ideas, and problem-solving skills to address challenges within their communities. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator expressed confidence in the strength, resilience, and determination of Ethiopia's young generation. Through innovation, collaboration, and strong partnerships, he noted, young people can transform challenges into opportunities and help build a more peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Mr. Ojielo also underscored Ethiopia's rich resources and long-standing experience in mobilizing local resources for transformative national initiatives. He emphasized that while external support remains important, greater efforts are needed to harness the country's own resources and create mechanisms that enable young people to become productive, create opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Representing the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Mr. Adinew Abera, Head of the Youth Organization Empowerment Desk, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to empowering Ethiopia's young people and creating an enabling environment for their success. He highlighted ongoing efforts to promote digital innovation, expand opportunities for youth entrepreneurship, and strengthen civic engagement. "At the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, we are doing our absolute best to build and nurture an empowered generation," he said, emphasizing the Ministry's dedication to ensuring that young people have the support, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive and lead.

The celebration concluded with a strong call for continued investment in youth-led innovation, inclusive digital transformation, and multi-stakeholder partnerships that empower young people to realize their full potential. Participants reaffirmed that Ethiopia's youth are not only beneficiaries of development but also key drivers of the country's progress and transformation.