UN offices in Nairobi, Kenya celebrated International Youth Day on Friday with calls for young people to increase their involvement in socio-economic issues. Under the title, "Creating Safe Spaces", leaders from the UN and local government said youth need to fight for a safe environment where their voices are heard in decision-making or otherwise they will be excluded.

In his televised message, UN Secretary General António Guterres said young people should understand that there is no better time than now when their leadership skills are needed.

"I believe in the potential of youth. Peace, economic dynamism, social justice and tolerance, all this and more depends on tapping into the potential of youth. Not in some distance future but today, right now. Young people need education opportunities, decent jobs, meaningful participation, a voice and a place at the table. I am determined that the UN listens to the voices of young people, empowers them and follows their lead. This September, we will launch a new UN strategy on youth, stepping up our work with and for young people in making the world safer for them and all," he said.

UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif said that the young can only participate in meaningful development with knowledge and the right tools. "Youths have to adopt the sustainable development goals as a call for action. There can be no global peace and sustainable development without the youth," she said.

She said that cities are beacons of opportunity and a safe place for interaction for youth and that is why governments need to enact relevant policies when developing urban plans.

"Let us adopt the blank sheet strategy where we engage with communities in creating better living environments. This move will promote inclusivity and stir up innovation and participation of youth," she said.

Also present during the event at the UNEP and UN-Habitat Headquarters was the Chinese ambassador to Kenya, Sun Baohong, who said China, under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, has provided opportunities in capacity building among African youth through scholarships. "We have given more than 2,000 degrees and over 30,000 scholarships to government officials while 5,000 youths have visited China in the last three years of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation implementation period."

She noted that poverty continues to stalk young people and three strategies are needed. First, create a peaceful and safe interaction space. Second, create space promoting sustainable development through increased investment in infrastructure development. Third, by creating a healthy digital space.

From the government, the cabinet secretary for public service, youth and gender affairs, Margaret Kobia, said there is more youth participation in politics over the recent past.

"We have more youthful representation in elective seats in parliament, senate and even the local government now more than before. This has increased their voices in national issues," Kobia said.

She noted that the government has revamped the technical and vocational training curriculum to ensure education is harmonized with market needs. "We are working towards cutting down youth unemployment. At least 85 percent of the unemployed population in Kenya are youths below 35 years."

International Youth Day is celebrated on Sunday. It was chosen by the UN to increase visibility on challenges facing young people and encourage their participation in public issues. This is the first time the UN has commemorated the day outside New York.