“What can I do to change the world?”
This is one question young people ask me these days. Young people want to change the world, they are usually aware of relevant issues that affect them and the world, but they wonder how to go about them.
Young people are fearless, brave, impetuous, dynamic and self-confident. Young people have the ideas, the creativity and great energy to shape a better world. Young people are full of hope and through innovation and imagination, they are problem solvers and have a great potential to generate a positive social change in the world.
Young people are in a continuous search for the transcendence that generates the desire of helping the environment, countries, communities and families. With globalization and technology the world has even become smaller, with unlimited possibilities of connection, there is a unique chance for young people to unite in solidarity and empathize on real friendship.
To celebrate youth and all of its characteristics, in 1985, United Nations declared the first “International Year of Youth”. This same year, young people from around the world united in Rome. During that gathering, convened by Pope Jonh Paul II, the institution of the World Youth Day was announced as a week-long international event, every two or three years. Since then, some of the countries where the World Youth Day has been held include Italy, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Spain. This year, the World Youth Day will be held in the amazing and lively city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
From July 17th to 28th, 2013, the World Youth Alliance will be present at the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, promoting human dignity, sharing in friendship and solidarity with the world’s youth and celebrating this great power young people have to change the world.
Young WYA members from around the globe will gather in Rio de Janeiro to encourage fellow WYD pilgrims to join WYA in the promotion of human dignity and recognize The Power of Young People to Change the World. These young Dignity Ambassadors will participate in fun games and activities with other young people from all over the world and will join discussions on life and family, and share in solidarity with one another.
Because the Future belongs to those who believe in their own power, would you like to join us in the adventure? Apply now!
Kateri Salas is the Regional Director of Operations at World Youth Alliance Latin America.
