Thread by @WHO

Live with @DrTedros on #YouthDay pscp.tv/w/cgJtWzI2MTAy…

"The theme of International #YouthDay this year is ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’.

Today I’d like to join Mrs @AAzoulay as we recognize young people, youth-organisations, and youth-networks around the world for their collective action during #COVID19"-@DrTedros

"Thank you for your continued support, and your energy, creativity and motivation to get us all through this pandemic safely.

You have a big role to play here"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #YouthDay

"The #COVID19 pandemic is having a major impact on the future of young adults – not just from the virus itself, but because of its impacts on the economy, employment, education, and the overall health system"-@DrTedros #YouthDay

"Despite the challenging circumstances, my colleagues in WHO and I are inspired by your [young people's] resilience, and by your commitment to contribute to the #COVID19 response in your local communities and beyond"-@DrTedros #YouthDay

"We want young people to be informed and make choices about their health to prepare for long and healthy lives.
It is critical that we engage with young people now to start the journey to understanding their own health"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #YouthDay

"Although most young people are not at high risk of severe disease during this pandemic, they play an important role, and share in the collective responsibility to help us stop transmission"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #YouthDay

"We would like to help prepare young people for their important roles in the future, as health emergencies and disease outbreaks may become even more common"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #YouthDay

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1293499018367119360?s=20

"Young health professionals & students are on the frontlines of the #COVID19 pandemic in hospitals, health centers & testing clinics"-@DrTedros #YouthDay

"Many young people are essential workers, or volunteering to support their communities, delivering food & medicine to the vulnerable"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #YouthDay

"Others have supported advocacy and risk communication initiatives, such as community radio to combat misinformation, an online handwashing challenge, and translating and disseminating public health information"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #YouthDay

"Other efforts include developing apps to collate #COVID19 guidance from reputable sources, and running surveys to gather behavioral insights to better inform public health response strategies"-@DrTedros #YouthDay

"I will leave you with three requests:

1⃣ I’d like to call on organizations, intuitions and governments to listen, engage and empower young adults as partners in action. Our future is their future"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #YouthDay

"2⃣ We have to give young people a larger role in political decision-making. Their voices often go unheard, even though over 1/2 of the 🌍’s population is under 35 years old. Their engagement is essential as we confront the health challenges of today & the future"-@DrTedros

"Finally, to young adults around the world, I say:

Think big and be bold.

We count on you for your creativity & your fresh ideas.

Your voice & engagement are needed more than ever, particularly as the world responds to this unprecedented crisis"-@DrTedros #COVID19 #YouthDay

"Working together, all of us, old and young, from everywhere in the world, can overcome the #COVID19 pandemic"-@DrTedros #YouthDay