International Youth Day

TASHKENT, Aug 12, 2022 - Every year 12 August is celebrated as International Youth Day. This year the day was celebrated with an event organized with the purpose to increase the awareness of young people in different areas, and develop their communication, know-how, and creative skills. Participants got acquainted with the Sustainable Development Goals through the various activities of UN agencies. The goal of the event was to attract public attention to issues of education, the agriculture sector, gender equality, ecology, reproductive health, and youth employment. It was a unique event of cooperation between international, public, and government to involve young people in socially significant projects.

UNESCO Representative in Uzbekistan Ms. Sara Noshadi highlighted, "Youth have the creativity, the potential, and the capacity to make change happen - for themselves, for their communities, and for the rest of the world. UNESCO in Uzbekistan works with young people to safeguard the country's rich cultural heritage, improve the quality of education, and for universal access to information. UNESCO is committed to accompanying the young people to work together to drive social innovation and change, participate fully in the development of their societies and foster a culture of peace".

UNESCO's "Skills Development for Employability in Rural Areas of Uzbekistan" Project funded by the European Union was represented on two stations: "Skills for Employability" and "Working in Agriculture is interesting". ILO and FAO co-hosted stations since their mandate interconnects with the goals of the project. Interactive master class on writing a CV, demonstration of innovations in agriculture and irrigation, and participation of a dynasty of beekeepers and agro-volunteers created conditions for the exchange of life skills among the participants.

"Professional Education is a key to getting the desired job"- was the theme of the video contest organized in partnership with the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education. Graduates of colleges from all over Uzbekistan participated in the contest, 93 videos were received in a few days. Contest winners were awarded prizes at the event. The best 20 videos can be found via this link: https://t.me/sdgs_video

UNESCO and the European Union jointly with the Government of Uzbekistan launched the project in 2020. The European Union provided 9.6 million euros to implement the project from 2020-2024 in four regions of Uzbekistan: Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Bukhara, and Surkhandarya. Upon its completion, the project will contribute to the enhancement of the living standards in rural areas through better employability by equipping women and men with relevant skills for sustainable, diversified, and modernized agriculture with higher productivity. Important to

mention that European Union declared 2022 as the Year of Youth, acknowledging young people's expectations, rights, and needs.