Left to right: Mr. Jose Ferraris, UNFPA Representative, Dr. Nafsiah Mboi, Minister of Health, Ms. Anggraini Astuti, Youth Representative, Mr. David Hulse, Ford Foundation Representative, and Mr. Douglas Broderick, UN Resident Coordinator launched Youthnesian 2014

More than 1,500 stakeholders in youth issues from across Indonesia came together at Youthnesian 2014 on Saturday 9 August to sound their voices and learn more about their role in the shaping the post-2015 development agenda.

Youthnesian 2014, co-hosted by UNFPA and the Ford Foundation, was a special event marking the end of a month-long celebration of this year’s World Population Day, marked on 11 July under the theme “Investing in Young People”, and to mark International Youth Day on 12 August.

The creative and innovative programme featured speakers from the Government of Indonesia, development partners, businesses, advocacy groups and youth communities, and focused on the challenges to and opportunities for investing in Indonesia’s young people.

Youthnesian 2014: youth festival and concert drew more than 1500 young people throughout the dayto discuss their participation in development

As highlighted by UNFPA representative in Indonesia, Mr Jose Ferraris, in his opening remarks, involving young people in the country’s development process is of growing importance.

“We now have the biggest cohort of young people in our nation’s history, representing 28 per cent of our total population,” he said. “We need to ensure that we are providing this generation with the tools and opportunities they need to shape our common future.”

Representative of the Ford Foundation, Mr David Hulse, echoed the sentiment, and also imparted some words of wisdom to the young audience as he made his welcoming speech.

“Networks, knowledge and skills, and inspiration and ideas are all components that lead to success,” he said. “Today, that is your task and your challenge; to be inspired and have greater aspirations as you journey into adulthood.”

The opening remarks were followed by a lively Q&A with the Minister of Health, Dr Nafsiah Mboi, who put the question to the audience: what makes a productive generation?

“There is nothing more powerful than a healthy, educated and motivated population of young people,” she said. “Young people inspire me, and all of us. I believe in the power of young people, and hope you use today to exchange and learn.”

Youthnesian 2014: youth festival and concert hosted more than 40 speakers discussing issues about investing in young people

The programme then broke into a series of Youth Hangout sessions, in which topical issues − including new media and technology, health, economic opportunity, education and lifelong learning, environmental sustainability, the real impact of telling stories, and music and social change − were put to a panel of expert representatives.

Throughout the day, young people were also invited to take part in the Youth Fair, where more than 25 stakeholders on youth issues hosted booths showcasing past, current and future initiatives that participants could get involved in, such as exchange programs and volunteer opportunities.

Youthnesian provides a platform for young people to sound their voices and learn more about their role in shaping the post-2015 development agenda in a creative and youth-friendly atmosphere.

Highlights of the day included special messages from Prof Nila Moeloek of the President’s Special Envoy on MDGs, Mr Handry Satriago, CEO of GE Indonesia, Dr Emil Salim, Special Advisor to the President, and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dino Patti Djalal.

The winners of the ‘One Minute to Change’ video competition and ’65 Million Voices’ jingle competition were also announced, before the programme drew to a close with special performances at the Youth Concert by young Indonesian pop stars Maudy Ayunda, Raisa and Vidi Aldiano.

Left to right: Vidi Aldiano, Maudy Ayunda and Raisa raised their voices in the celebration of International Youth Day in Youthnesian Youth Concert.

UNFPA Youth Advocate, Mr Angga Dwi Martha, said he couldn’t have been more pleased with how the day turned out, with so many creative platforms for young people to speak up and have their voices heard.

“With so many people coming to Youthnesian 2014, it’s obvious that we have young people in Indonesia who are active in their efforts to shape their own futures. This is the time to put youth at the centre of development” he said.

UNFPA Youth Advocate, Mr. Angga Dwi Martha, called for active participation of young people in development in front of 1500 youth participants at Youthnesian 2014.

“The challenge is now spreading this enthusiasm throughout the country and making sure all young people have access to the information, education and services that they deserve.”