SEATTLE, Washington — Today, more than half of the world’s population is under the age of 30. As young people represent such a large demographic, their engagement and participation across all sectors are vital in promoting inclusive development. Today’s youth, particularly those residing in vulnerable regions, are motivated to facilitate peace, prosperity and meaningful change in their communities. With access to new communication tools and media, a youth-led COVID-19 response can bridge digital divides by distributing information and knowledge to underserved communities. The increasing power of emerging technologies combined with the evolving skill sets learned by youth has the potential to drive significant change in developing regions. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, youths have the potential to halt cycles of poverty, increase sustainability, improve public health and build greater trust between citizens and their government.
Youth’s Role in the Global COVID-19 Relief Response
The spread of COVID-19 presents new humanitarian, economic and public health challenges. While young people are not the most high-risk group in terms of contraction, they are among the most affected by the pandemic’s socio-economic impacts. Their futures are being defined by an unprecedented crisis that has resulted in a global recession, high unemployment rates and civil and political threats.
Many young people and youth-led organizations have mobilized relief efforts to respond to the pandemic, becoming one of the most active demographics in global recovery efforts. Some are working in the healthcare sector, where employment has risen faster for young people than in any other age group. Others are pioneering advocacy networks and information-sharing programs to discuss risk reduction and preparedness. The versatility and inclusivity of these initiatives make the youth-led COVID-19 response a critical part of the global recovery.
Around the world, the pandemic has weakened the infrastructure of healthcare facilities and public services. As a result, youths are partnering with governments and private sector companies to assemble voluntary initiatives, support vulnerable members of the community, launch start-ups and develop technological solutions to address the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19. Here are some ways in which young people are leading the global pandemic response.
Combating Disinformation
In the wake of the pandemic, government action in some countries has evoked concern over the violation of human rights. Many youths are focusing on debunking false information and scare tactics surrounding the virus, which can disrupt public health efforts and violate citizens’ freedoms.
In Pakistan, Fayyaz Yaseen is working on building trust and integrity between governments and their citizens. He helped develop the Coronavirus CivActs Campaign, which spreads awareness of disinformation released by the media and provides credible facts to the public via messaging apps, websites and social media platforms. Independent organizations like CivActs help promote transparency and reliability while holding media outlets accountable.
Tracking COVID-19 Cases
A journalist from Zimbabwe named Munyaradzi Dodo is using open-source technology to create a platform for tracking COVID-19 cases across the country. The platform works in conjunction with Google Maps, flagging high-risk locations based on data from the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health. Tracking local conditions and promoting community awareness are critical steps in mitigating the spread of the virus.
Members of the Forum of Young Global Leaders are working with Zebra Medical Vision to create an AI solution that automatically detects COVID-19 symptoms on chest CT scans. The algorithm analyzes scans to determine lung capacity and assess the vulnerability of patients to better allocate medical supplies. This is especially helpful in regions where resources are limited.
Providing COVID-19 Treatment and Resources
Bislimi Donjet, a young doctor from Kosovo represents the many young people in the medical field who are volunteering their skills outside of the hospital during the pandemic. As the president of the Democratic Party of Kosovo’s youth wing, Donjet has also partnered with local government councils to distribute medical supplies, nutritional food and informational resources to vulnerable areas in the country. Donjet is also a member of the European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN), an organization of young political leaders between the ages of 18 and 32. EDYN has used its resources and media tools to spread awareness of initiatives that young people can partake in to support their communities.
In Bangladesh, Community Development for Peace and its founder Muhammad Ferdaus are providing food and hygiene products to essential workers. The country has several vulnerable regions, including the Korail slums, where proper access to water supply and sanitation systems are not always available.
In some areas, such as refugee camps and regions of armed conflict, the socio-economic effects of COVID-19 are exacerbating existing humanitarian crises. Muzna Dureid is advocating for the distribution of medical products to the country’s war-torn areas, alongside White Helmets, an organization helping people affected by Syria’s civil war. Many citizens in these war-torn areas lack access to proper sanitation and health care, which are essential in crowded refugee camps.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented major socio-economic and humanitarian challenges worldwide. Young people around the world are using their skills and knowledge to respond to the crisis in innovative ways by providing services, resources and information to vulnerable regions. As youths continue to work on solutions to mitigate the spread and impacts of the virus, it is critical that they have the support of humanitarian organizations, governments and donors. Empowering future generations by recognizing the impact of the youth-led COVID-19 response is critical in promoting inclusive global recovery and creating lasting social impact.
—Sylvie Antal
Photo: Flickr