Freemuslim Statement on the Occasion of International Youth Day
On the occasion of International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, Freemuslim extends its warmest greetings and highest appreciation to young people around the world, particularly the youth of the Muslim community, who represent the true pulse of life and the fundamental foundation for building a prosperous future characterized by peace, justice, and development.
The world’s observance of this occasion should not be limited to words and slogans. Rather, it should serve as a serious and responsible opportunity to assess the realities facing young people and the major challenges they confront, foremost among them unemployment, the marginalization of their role in decision-making, and limited opportunities for human development and advancement—particularly in many countries of the Muslim world that face accumulated economic, social, and political crises.
Freemuslim, believing that the energy and potential of young people constitute an inexhaustible source of wealth, affirms the following principles and calls for their adoption:
- Providing Decent Employment Opportunities: Widespread youth unemployment in the Muslim world represents a significant loss of human potential and a strategic threat to social stability. We therefore call upon governments, policymakers, and employers to launch serious initiatives to establish development projects, support entrepreneurship, and open opportunities for young professionals and skilled youth to participate effectively in the labor market.
- Investing in Development and Advancement: Empowering young people academically, professionally, and technologically is the most effective path toward building strong and innovative societies. We call for educational systems to be reformed and modernized to meet the demands of the modern era, along with the provision of continuous training programs that equip young people with the skills of the future.
- Including Youth in Decision-Making: Genuine development cannot be achieved without strengthening the role of young people in political, social, and cultural affairs. Giving them space to express their views and participate in shaping public policies helps ensure that solutions are sustainable and responsive to the aspirations of future generations.
- Promoting a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence: We believe that young people equipped with thoughtful perspectives and humanitarian values are a powerful barrier against extremism and conflict. Their energy should therefore be directed toward peace building, promoting dialogue and tolerance, and rejecting violence in all its forms.
On this significant day, Freemuslim reaffirms its steadfast commitment to defending and empowering the rights of young people. It calls upon all international, regional, governmental, and civil society institutions, both within the Muslim world and beyond, to intensify their efforts and unite their visions to create a supportive and safe environment that enables young people to unleash their potential and fulfill their legitimate aspirations.
