UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged on Tuesday to celebrate the determination, creativity, and leadership of young people everywhere, calling for support for their solutions to build a fairer and more sustainable world—from local communities to the global level.

This came in Guterres’ message marking International Youth Day, observed this year under the theme "Youth Action at the Local Level for Global Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond."

Guterres stated that this year’s theme serves as a reminder that global progress begins at the community level, noting that young people are leading the way in every corner of the world.

He added that youth "drive sustainable development, build more inclusive societies, and forge peace. Young people are bold innovators, resilient organizers, and essential partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

Coinciding with International Youth Day, the Secretary-General announced the appointment of the third cohort of his Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, comprising 14 members. This move responds to the concerning global trend of shrinking civic space and funding constraints.

The group provides the Secretary-General with practical, results-oriented advice, diverse youth perspectives, and concrete recommendations to bolster the UN’s efforts in accelerating global action to address the climate crisis.