UN-Habitat has launched a photo and video competition asking young people to show what “home” really means to them.
The competition which was launched on International Youth Day and ends on 30 September 2013, asks the contestants to take a picture of either their homes or their hang out joints and post them on Instagram of Facebook.
The competition which targets those aged between 18 and 32 calls for photos and videos related to:
- Maintaining and establishing a home
- Accessible public spaces and places for young people
- Rural youth migrating to cities
- Young people establishing businesses, finding work, or going to school
- Young people working with local authorities to change land use practices
- Personal experiences or practical solutions
In his message during the occasion, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UN-Habitat Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos said the majority of the world’s young people living in cities and towns in the developing world where nearly 90 per cent of the world’s urban growth is taking place.
“It is estimated that as many as 60 per cent of all urban dwellers will be under the age of 18 by 2030, with a significant percentage of this growth being the result of youth migrating to urban areas. The theme of this year’s International Youth Day, “Youth Migration: Moving Development Forward”, has never been more relevant or more needed,” he said.
According to the Executive Director, the United Nations had found that there were nearly twenty-seven million international migrants who are youth.
“They migrate for reasons such as crisis within their own country, accessing education or seeking job opportunities. Many of these youth are leaving rural areas and moving to cities. For example, a recent UN-Habitat report found that young Ethiopians migrate from rural areas to cities due to insecure land tenure. In examples all around the world, young people are taking on the responsibility and risks of moving, and it is imperative that governments at all levels develop policies that support them,” he said.
International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The first International Youth Day was held on 12 August 2000.