International youth day: Empowering the future, today
Each year on August 12th, the world observes International Youth Day—a moment to recognise and uplift the voices, aspirations, and capabilities of young people globally. Initiated by the United Nations in 1999, this day is more than just symbolic. It's a clarion call to governments, organisations, and communities to invest in youth development and ensure that the next generation is empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive.
This year's theme, 'Youth for Peace and Prosperity,' underscores the unique power of young people to drive progress and promote harmony in an increasingly turbulent world. From climate action and digital innovation to social justice and decentralised finance, youth are not waiting for change—they are leading it.
The Numbers That Matter
Globally, there are more than 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24, the largest youth population in history. Yet nearly 90% of them live in developing countries, where access to education, technology, and economic opportunities is often limited. The choices we make today about investing in youth will shape the societies of tomorrow.
Youth unemployment remains a major concern. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this disparity, displacing millions of young workers and disrupting education systems worldwide.
The Role of Technology and Decentralisation
As the world pivots toward digital economies, technology is becoming a powerful enabler for youth development. Platforms driven by decentralised finance (DeFi)—like Velar—are unlocking new economic models where young individuals from any corner of the globe can earn, invest, and innovate without intermediaries.
Velar, for instance, is building a DeFi ecosystem on Bitcoin's secure foundation, empowering users through permissionless access to financial tools. For many young people—particularly in the Global South—this represents more than technology. It's a lifeline. With limited access to traditional banking, DeFi gives them autonomy over their assets and the ability to participate in global financial systems.
The philosophy behind such systems mirrors the spirit of International Youth Day: decentralisation, inclusivity, and trust. It aligns with what young people today are demanding: systems that are fair, open, and built for the many, not the few.
Voices of Change: Youth Leading the Way
From climate activists like Greta Thunberg to peacebuilders in conflict zones, youth are stepping into leadership roles, often in places where institutions have failed.
In Sudan, youth spearheaded peaceful protests that led to significant political reform.
In India, thousands of young people are building startups focused on sustainability, fintech, and education.
In Latin America, youth-led tech hubs are empowering communities through blockchain education and digital literacy.
It's not just about protesting; it's about proposing. Young leaders are articulating bold visions and implementing grassroots solutions, proving that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are already leading today.
Education: The Unfinished Revolution
Despite progress, access to quality education remains elusive for millions. According to UNESCO, over 260 million children and youth are out of school. Even those in school often lack the digital skills necessary for the future workforce.
International Youth Day reminds us that education is not a privilege—it is a right. And in the 21st century, that includes financial literacy, coding, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. It means building systems where young people are creators of technology, not just consumers.
This is where innovation in DeFi and blockchain intersects again. Projects like Velar are not just technological solutions—they're educational platforms. They foster communities where youth learn how markets work, how to manage digital assets, and how to participate in decentralised governance.
Mental Health and Resilience
Today's youth face unprecedented challenges—from economic pressures and climate anxiety to digital addiction and political unrest. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in seven 10–19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, often going unnoticed and untreated.
Resilience is not innate—it must be nurtured. That means investing in systems that protect mental health, encourage expression, and create safe, inclusive environments. Art, community-building, open dialogue, and access to counseling are not luxuries—they are essential building blocks for healthy societies.
The Power of Decentralised Identity and Autonomy
In a digital-first world, identity is currency. But centralised data systems have made youth vulnerable to exploitation, surveillance, and exclusion. A decentralised identity—where individuals control their data—is a transformative idea that aligns with youth values: privacy, autonomy, and equity.
Platforms rooted in decentralisation—such as those being developed by Velar—are already integrating such features. This opens new possibilities: identity not defined by a passport or government, but by digital credentials, reputation, and contribution. For young people fleeing conflict or lacking formal documentation, this is revolutionary.
Call to Action: Youth Are Not a Problem to Solve, But a Partner to Empower
If International Youth Day is to be more than an annual event, it must catalyse change in three critical ways:
Policy Inclusion
Governments must ensure youth representation in decision-making—not as tokens, but as equal stakeholders. From climate policies to urban planning, youth voices must shape the agenda. Funding Youth-Led Innovation
Institutions and investors need to back youth-led ventures, especially those using technology for social impact. Whether through grants, venture capital, or crypto-native funding models like IDOs (Initial DEX Offerings), young innovators must be resourced. Creating Enabling Ecosystems
Access to the internet, training, mentorship, and platforms like Velar must be scaled globally. The tools exist—the commitment must follow.
Toward a More Inclusive and Secure Financial Future
A striking alignment exists between the goals of International Youth Day and the vision behind the decentralised finance movement. Both aim to redistribute power, promote inclusivity, and enable self-determination.
Decentralised protocols like Velar are not just about building financial tools—they are about building systems that youth can trust. Systems where they are not passive recipients but active participants. Their voices help govern protocols, and they share in the value they help create.
In many ways, today's youth are already living in the future. They are global, digitally fluent, values-driven, and innovation-minded. The question is not whether they are ready. It is whether the world is prepared to step aside, listen, and let them lead.
Conclusion: The Future Is Now
On this International Youth Day, let's move beyond celebration and commit to transformation. Young people don't need saving—they need space, tools, and trust. They are not just inheritors of the world. They are architects of its future.
Let us give them the bricks. They'll build the bridges.
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