20 August 2024, Nairobi. – On the occasion of International Youth Day 2024, commemorated in Nairobi on 12th of August, Deepshikha Ray, a passionate and dedicated participant of the Young Gamechangers Initiative (YGI) from Jatni, Odisha, India, delivered an inspiring speech that left a profound impact on all attendees. Representing the spirit of youth-led transformation, Deepshikha’s words highlighted the significant role young people play in shaping their communities and the future of urban spaces.
Deepshikha's Journey of Empowerment
Deepshikha’s involvement with YGI has been a transformative journey, equipping her with essential skills and knowledge that have broadened her perspective on urban governance and community health. She spoke eloquently about how YGI, supported by UN-Habitat and her local government, Jatni Municipality, has not only enhanced her understanding of teamwork but also provided her with the tools to actively contribute to designing inclusive public spaces.
“Through YGI, I’ve learned the importance of effective communication, setting common goals, and maintaining mutual respect within a team,” Deepshikha shared, emphasizing how these skills have been instrumental in her work with other young people in her community.
A Deepened Understanding of Global Goals
One of the standout aspects of Deepshikha’s speech was her reflection on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her experience with YGI has deepened her understanding of these global challenges, particularly the need for balancing human development with environmental sustainability. She is also keenly aware of the critical role public health plays in urban planning, having gained insights from World Health Organization (WHO) teams on disease prevention and health outcome improvement.
Read more about WHO workshop in Jatni here
Innovative Digital Tools in Urban Planning
Deepshikha also highlighted the innovative digital tools introduced through YGI, such as Kobo Toolbox and the Minecraft application under the Block-by-Block training. These tools have empowered her and her peers to collect data on public spaces, design potential improvements, and present these ideas to local authorities. “This process is not only enjoyable but also demonstrates the educational and community-building potential of video games,” she noted.
Read more about Block-by-Block workshop in Jatni here
Moving Forward
As Deepshikha continues her journey with YGI, she is committed to encouraging more young people to join the initiative and take an active role in transforming their communities. Her message at the International Youth Day event was clear: youth participation is crucial in building a better tomorrow, and through initiatives like YGI, young people can be the driving force behind positive change in their cities.
Deepshikha’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that well-supported youth initiatives can have, not just on individuals, but on entire communities. Her participation in YGI and her speech at this global event underscore the importance of empowering young people to lead, innovate, and collaborate for a sustainable and inclusive future.
Read more about Young Gamechangers Initiative here