We might not live in a perfect world, but we can contribute towards making it better, if not for the present, at least for our future and for generations unborn.

Youth symbolizes strength, and the Youth Sustainable Development Network (YSDN), led by Damilola Hamid Balogun, is leveraging that advantage to bring about significant changes in the world via Sustainable Development Goals. We can describe the YSDN initiative as "By youths, for all."

In this interview, Barr. Omatseye Carpe, the Operations Manager of Youth Sustainable Development Network (YSDN), discusses the vision of YSDN, its impact, challenges, success stories, and future goals.

Can you give us an overview of the Youth Sustainable Development Network and its primary mission?

The name Youth Sustainable Development Network explains what the organization is all about: bridging the gap between youths and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was founded on the understanding that there are 17 goals addressing global issues that affect everyone and require immediate action. Often, in this region, we are not aware of what these global issues are or how they affect us individually or collectively. It is well-known that youths are the driving force of any nation, and if anything is to be done concerning these issues, youths must be involved. That is why YSDN is focused on youth development, youth participation and youth inclusion in the achievement of the SDGs.

What are some specific programmes or initiatives YSDN has implemented to create an enabling environment for young people to contribute to the SDGs?

To achieve our goals, we have several avenues that we use and currently employ. We have conferences, programmes, and projects. Reaching out to youths is not easy, but we've used different methods and partnered with various organizations worldwide.

We have our annual conference, which over the years has impacted about 10,000 youths. The conference theme changes every year, focusing on youth inclusion in the SDGs, and addressing issues such as climate change, energy, hunger, and poverty. Our conference this year is coming up in Morocco. Everything is set, and we are hoping for a successful event.

There is also a project currently underway called EcoLearn. It seeks to bring the SDGs to public schools in a non-conventional way. We are working on this in partnership with other youth-led organisations, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, the Public Service Staff Department Centre in Magodo, and the Netherlands consulate in Lagos. The project kicked off last month.

Read More: https://crispng.com/spotlight-ysdn-the-nigerian-organisation-bridging-the-gap-between-youths-and-sdgs/