International Youth Day to focus on developing safe spaces

In Chennai, the Indian Youth Cafe group have taken it upon themselves to mark the significance of the occasion with a series of events revolving around the UN-strategised theme for 2018: Safe Spaces for Youth.

The theme is set to ensure that youth have safe spaces where they can come together, engage in activities related to their diverse interests, participate in decision-making processes and express themselves. Civic spaces will enable the youth to engage in governance issues; public spaces will give them the opportunity to participate in leisure activities in the community; digital spaces will help them interact virtually across borders and well-planned physical spaces can help accommodate the needs of those vulnerable to marginalisation or violence, stated the UN.

Sehaj Sahni, the founder of Indian Youth Café, said that his project was the right match for the UN venture, “We started out four years ago and now, we are on the United Nations map. This is a project that seeks to provide a platform for young people. To this effect, we base our operations at Urban Desi House in Thoraipakkam, which received the start-up recognition by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, government of India.”

“We wish to create more community spaces to bridge the offline disconnect among the Youth. Moreover, we want to do all that with a self-sustainable business model which otherwise runs on charities and donations elsewhere,” he added.

This weekend, the social hub will host a flea market of start-ups that will have the opportunity to not only promote their ventures but also collaborate with others. “There will also be business workshops and speeches. But the highlight is the focused group discussions – one by city-based LGBTQI group ‘Pink People’ -- and the other by an UN editor on deconstructing barriers of judgement, violence and harassment,” said Sehaj, adding, “With the recent spate of crimes and harassment cases in the city, the need of the hour is more than ever to develop more safe spaces for youth.” The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and Youth Habitat have strategised the guidelines for the programme, explained Sehaj, who has also invited the MLA of the local constituency and local residents and communities to be part of the programme. 

“How to start a business with Rs 999 – this is the title of the workshop. We hope it will inspire more youngsters on this special occasion,” Sehaj concluded.