Introduction

At the heart of every nation’s essence lie its invaluable resources, and chief among them is its human capital. Among this precious human resource, the youth, typically encompassing those up to the age of 35, emerge as the vanguards of boundless potential. 

In a nation like India, where over 63% of the population is below 35 years old, endowed with abundant time, unwavering energy, and a wealth of skills, the youth possess the unique capability to reshape landscapes, surmount intricate socioeconomic challenges, and pave the way for a prosperous future. 

Unfortunately, a considerable number of young people today encounter new and unfamiliar difficulties that were absent in previous generations. These challenges involve matters of mental well-being, the divide created by technology, changes in how work operates, shifts in our surroundings, and concerns about fairness and equality within society.

To tackle these challenges, young individuals must possess the capacity and courage to question, evaluate, and analyze issues, leading them to find peaceful and effective solutions. This requires not only the skill of critical thinking but also the ability to manage emotions and social interactions. They should also be conscious of the global environment and the diverse cultures it encompasses.

To effectively tackle these concerns and lay the foundation for a better future, it is crucial to instill a deep sense of mindfulness in our younger generation. They should cultivate the viewpoint of considering everyone as an extended family, driven by the core value of compassion and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. This involves fostering a nurturing and empathetic approach towards all forms of life, spanning from tiny microorganisms to complex human beings. This transformative journey starts with the youth taking proactive steps to enhance our shared home, the Earth, and make it a more desirable place to inhabit.

In light of this interconnectedness, the careful custodianship of Mother Earth, encompassing the realms of Air, Water, and Soil, emerges as a paramount duty for safeguarding the current welfare and future prosperity of humanity.

Empowering Youth: Green Skills for a Sustainable Future

International Youth Day 2023 echoes the theme ‘Green Skills For Youth: Towards A Sustainable World.’ This serves as a reminder of our duty to prepare the youth for shaping a sustainable global future.

In this year 2023, a significant responsibility rests upon urban dwellers of all generations: the adoption of regenerative gardening and farming practices with which we can receive and improve the quality of air, water, and soil on earth. This endeavor not only safeguards the Earth but also paves the way for secure and self-sufficient food sources. 

As we celebrate International Youth Day and gaze forward, the chorus of purpose resounds – nurturing conscientious youth armed with green skills, embracing sustainable practices, and cultivating a world that harmonizes with nature.”

What are Green skills?

Green skills are a set of knowledge, abilities, competencies, and values needed to actively develop and maintain a sustainable and environmentally-conscious economy and society, according to the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). These particular skills would enable individuals to contribute to sustainable development and growth.

Global Youth: Equipping for Green Skills and Sustainability

The youth, both in India and across the world, should equip themselves with green skills – the knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to thrive in a sustainable and resource-efficient society. This imperative transcends borders, encompassing both developed and developing countries. 

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 emphasizes the need to transition industries and infrastructure toward sustainability, while Goal 12 aims for the efficient management of natural resources. This shift to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy entails not only new products and services but also transformative changes in production processes and business models.

With India’s goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2070, the need for green jobs and, subsequently, the demand for green skills have increased in the country. In a time of mass layoffs, green skills may be the jobs of the future. As industries in India shift towards more resource-conscious and eco-friendly goals, the demand for people with green skills is going up.

Objectives of International Youth Day in 2023 

1. To raise awareness of green skills and their relevance for achieving the SDGs, while highlighting the central role of young people in the green transition
2. To equip stakeholders with the knowledge and information necessary to understand the importance of green skills for young people
3. To showcase policies and practices that can nurture the development of green skills among young people
4. To provide an inclusive platform for stakeholders to exchange views on such topics.

Raising Awareness of Green Skills and SDGs:

• Farm Talks

• • Join us every Friday for FarmTalks, Hosachiguru’s captivating webinar series. Immerse yourself in a fresh approach to embracing nature and sustainable living. If you’re a nature enthusiast longing to be part of a community dedicated to eco-friendly living, this is your chance. As co-farmers with Hosachiguru, urban youth, and dynamic individuals can effortlessly nurture the earth, grow heirloom produce, and reap the rewards without the complexities of traditional farming. Say hello to hassle-free farmland ownership as we introduce you to a vibrant world where sustainability blooms. 
• • We Share success stories and case studies from our agro and food forests, demonstrating how regenerative farming practices contribute to environmental sustainability and support the SDGs

• Green Superheroes Workshop

• • Nurturing the concept of sustainable living in today’s children is pivotal, igniting their eco-passion from a young age, as they are the forthcoming eco-champions poised to shape the world of tomorrow.
• • Through our Green Superheroes Workshop, a unique sustainability program, we amalgamate the forces of family and environmental stewardship. This workshop beckons family members to embark on a joint journey, immersing themselves in the realm of sustainability alongside their children, all while indulging in the joy of experiential learning and crafting.
• • Activities such as crafting bird feeders from discarded materials and fashioning eco-friendly planters for tiny saplings serve as avenues of engagement.
• • This dynamic approach cultivates a constructive imprint on the children’s consciousness, fostering their evolution into enduring eco-warriors and devoted guardians of our precious environment.

Equipping Stakeholders with Knowledge:

At Hosachiguru, our dedication extends beyond farming – we are committed to sharing our wisdom and experience with like-minded individuals, bridging the generational gap to educate both the young and the seasoned in the realms of regenerative farming and permaculture.

Through our periodic publication of insightful blogs and informative content, we cover a diverse array of topics. From the intricacies of permaculture and regenerative agriculture to the boundless benefits of creating food forests and agroforests, we delve into subjects encompassing health, nutrition, soil health, microorganisms, and beyond.

Moreover, we openly share our hands-on experiences and transformative learnings while executing projects guided by permaculture principles. Witness our journey as we rejuvenate barren lands into flourishing havens.

By fostering this knowledge-sharing ecosystem, we nurture the present and future generations, equipping them to embrace a harmonious relationship with Mother Earth and become stewards of her well-being.

Conclusion

In today’s world, the power of youth shines brightly. They hold the key to shaping a brighter future. International Youth Day 2023 serves as a powerful reminder of this potential. It’s essential to equip them with “green skills” – the know-how to nurture our planet.

Green skills encompass knowledge for a healthier Earth, a crucial foundation for our shared tomorrow. These skills are vital for young people in India and worldwide. They empower us to use resources wisely and combat the impacts of climate change.

A clear objective is in sight: India aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070. This ambition requires a workforce skilled in green practices. Moreover, green skills offer promising job opportunities, aligning with the needs of our planet and the aspirations of our youth.

This year’s International Youth Day is driven by specific goals:

• Spread awareness about the significance of green skills.
• Provide stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of these skills.
• Highlight effective approaches to impart green skills to young individuals.
• Create an inclusive platform for discussions and exchange of ideas.

At Hosachiguru, we’re committed to our role in this mission. We’re engaging youth in caring for the Earth through:

• Engaging “FarmTalks” every Friday – an exciting platform for learning.
• Hosting workshops for families and children – nurturing a love for nature.
• Sharing informative blogs and insights from our experience.
• Undertaking transformative projects that convert barren lands into thriving forests.

Our message is simple yet profound: Youth, your involvement is crucial! Engage in conversations, embrace learning, and take action. Together, let’s be stewards of our world – safeguarding nature, conserving soil, capturing carbon, and replenishing water sources. Join hands with us to create a meaningful impact!