ACCORDING to Myanmar’s Youth Policy, individuals aged between 15 and 35 are classified as youth. Globally, the United Nations estimates that there are approximately 1.2 billion young people, with 85 per cent residing in developing countries. However, only a small portion of youth worldwide are fully integrated into their communities and have access to essential education and services. Most face significant challenges, including poverty, limited educational and healthcare opportunities, risks of drug abuse and violence, armed conflicts, and scarce employment prospects.
In Myanmar, the Youth Policy was formulated and adopted in November 2017 to provide a strategic framework that supports the positive development of youth across various sectors such as politics, economy, education, society, culture, and development. The policy recognizes that youth and education are inseparable. Through education, young people are nurtured to become capable, well-rounded, and outstanding individuals. To this end, Myanmar implements an annual Human Resource Development Plan to enhance and maximize youth potential.
The theme for International Youth Day (IYD) 2025 is “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” This theme highlights the crucial role young people play in turning global development goals into concrete actions at the community level. It stresses the importance of youth-led initiatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing beyond them. This year’s IYD also marks the lead-up to the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, a guiding framework that recognizes youth as key drivers in sustainable development and participatory governance. Discussions on this theme will contribute to preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development scheduled in Doha in November.
Within Myanmar, efforts are ongoing to train and nurture youth for holistic development, offering opportunities to strengthen their physical, intellectual, and moral capacities. The government provides various training courses aimed at building self-confidence and skills among young people. For those who complete basic education, pathways are open to higher education through diverse courses in arts, science, and technology, enabling further learning and growth.
As Myanmar focuses on building a strong and stable society, programs to raise youth awareness through knowledge-sharing and mutual support are emphasized. These initiatives encourage youth to build themselves constructively and understand the correct path toward national development. Youth who are honest and sincere are regarded as a vital and dependable force for the country. To ensure their active participation in creating a prosperous and stable society, an important government objective, relevant authorities continue to support and empower young people within their respective fields and roles.
