Ministry of Youth and Sports, NYSC, UNDP and Citi Sri Lanka spearheads efforts under the theme of ‘Growing Green Talents’ to commemorate International Youth Day 2023

Recognising the significance of the shift towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly world is critical not only in responding to the global climate crisis but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Youth Co:Lab National Youth Dialogue 2023 in Sri Lanka was held in Colombo under the theme ‘Growing Green Talents: Unlocking Youth Potential through Upskilling for Sustainable Development’.  

At the event held in line with the International Youth Day commemorations (August 12), more than 150 young people engaged in a dynamic and thought-provoking dialogue on empowering youth and harnessing their potential for sustainable development. The event brought together multi-stakeholders including influential leaders and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and international development organisations, the organisers said in a media release.

The Youth Co: Lab National Youth Dialogue (NYD) is an annual event centred on fostering national youth engagement, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Sri Lanka. This year it was co-hosted by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, the National Youth Services Council (NYSC) and Youth Co:Lab, co-led by UNDP and Citi Foundation.

The 2023 theme to mark the day, "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World", reiterates that a successful transition towards a greener world will depend on the development of green skills in the population.

Sharing his views of the initiative, Roshan Ranasinghe, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs stated, “Sri Lanka is embarking on a long-term sustainable development trajectory that will help us not only overcome and recover from challenges but also thrive as a nation. Therefore, to achieve this goal, the capabilities that young people have will be critical and a key capability that you will need to cultivate is green skills, to ensure Sri Lanka is greener and more sustainable for all. As the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, I reiterate my commitment, together with the NYSC, and in collaboration with partners such as the UNDP, Citi Foundation, and others, to create all the necessary opportunities and platforms, such as this, for young people to succeed and contribute to Sri Lanka’s development.”

Commenting on UNDPs role in advancing the youth development agenda in Sri Lanka, Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Coordinator UNDP in Sri Lanka noted, “In the post-pandemic and crisis era, Sri Lanka is well positioned to decisively pursue a socio-economic recovery pathway that is green and inclusive. Young people can be the change agents in driving green innovation and businesses to help Sri Lanka and the global community to combat the climate emergency while reviving the economy. UNDP in Sri Lanka remains steadfast in our support to the Government of Sri Lanka and its people to invest in green skills, create new partnerships and collaborations, and upscale collective investments with the aim of creating a future-ready youth population in Sri Lanka at this critical time.”