Voices of Some Youth from Karenni State on International Youth Day
12 August is celebrated as “International Youth Day.” It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly during its 54th session in 1999. This day is observed annually worldwide to highlight the issues faced by youth and to ensure their voices are reflected in global matters. International Youth Day also serves as a tribute to the resilient spirit, creativity, and leadership of young people.
On this day, Kantarawaddy Times has reached out to some young people to share their thoughts and voices on challenges and difficulties they are facing during the ongoing conflict.
Ann (Volunteer)
As a young person, I feel grateful on International Youth Day 2025. I’m not the only one facing difficulties and challenges during this period. May young people my age are losing their dreams, opportunities, and hobbies because of the unfavorable situation in our country. The challenges are immense for us, the youth of the 21st century. So I want to encourage all the young people in our troubled country and on our planet to always be healthy and safe. I also wish for them to be able to fulfill their respective duties despite their struggles. Youth only comes once. So, I would like to say, may you all be able to fulfill and realize the dreams you have and want to achieve.
Jor Tha Klay (Educator sharing knowledge at a school in Karenni State)
On International Youth Day, I want to say that during this revolution, we young people are contributing our skills and knowledge to various sectors for our future. We are participating with whatever means we can, despite the challenges and difficulties. Some are even sacrificing their lives. I believe that the role of young people is very important during this period. Unlike before, there are now many with good ideas and the capacity to lead. Most importantly, young people need to be given opportunities to take on suitable roles. If they are given more opportunities to act, I believe a much better environment will emerge.
Another point is that during this time, we youth face not only physical but also psychological challenges. For example, uncertainties about the future, fear, and frequent feelings of depression are common. To overcome these, we support and help each other. In terms of education, young people are not standing still; they are working to ensure continuous learning opportunities. Youth are leading efforts to promote education, and I’m grateful for the chance to share my knowledge with others and contribute to the people. I will continue to participate in my role to the fullest. Our future is in our hands. Let’s create it, shape it, and move forward together.
Tee Moe (Resistance police officer)
I warmly welcome International Youth Day. Across the country, many young people are losing opportunities like education and advancement due to various reasons. Especially in Myanmar, the challenges we face are evident, and this is why the UN designated International Youth Day (IYD) to highlight these issues. This day not only reflects the difficulties young people face but also aims to showcase their capabilities and value in actively contributing to education, national development, environmental efforts, and diverse social projects. Internationally, this day is celebrated with talks, competitions, music, and various events.
On this International Youth Day, want to sincerely honor the comrades, students, and people—especially the youth—who are steadfastly participating in this revolutionary period in whatever way they can. As young people, we are the main force of the future. Despite numerous challenges, we are building our aspirations and dreams. Limited access to education, lack of safe spaces, and instability in military and political affairs create mental challenges for us.
Another point is that, being separated from my family, I face many difficulties. I worry about my parents’ safety. To my fellow resistance fighters and the people, I want to say that as long as we live, we must keep learning. To become better youth day by day, we need to continuously study. For a successful life, we must strive toward long-term goals with effort while we have the time. No matter what degree or education you achieve, if you stop there, your life’s success will be limited. When chasing dreams, young people may face discouragement, sadness, setbacks, or failures. In such times, don’t lose heart or give up. May we all be youth who achieve our goals. Since young people are persistent, I urge everyone to stay away from drugs that could destroy us.
Kho Kho (Resistance fighter)
On this International Youth Day, I wish for all young people worldwide to become a light for the future world. I deeply respect and am grateful to the youth of past years—now adults—who have guided us. I hope current youth will follow their example and continue the journey. Youth can be a light for the world and their country, guiding, protecting, and leading. I see this as a responsibility for young people, and I urge them to strive to fulfill it. In times like these, youth face numerous challenges and exhaustion, along with difficult choices. This, I believe, is part of the imperfection of youth. However, I urge young people not to stop halfway but to move forward with their goals, aspirations, and convictions.
While we, the current youth, are losing opportunities, I believe we have a responsibility to ensure future generations don’t face the same losses. Youth can embrace change and diversity. I compare young people to glue that connects different things together. Similarly, youth are a force for development, and I want others to believe this too. The opportunities we’ve lost in this period, what we’ve done, and why we’ve lost them will be recorded in history. Not every individual or generation is remembered in history, but due to the sacrifices, dedication, and risks taken by this generation, we will be remembered. I want to encourage youth that this generation will leave a mark in history.
Naw Thida Oo (Young displaced person)
International Youth Day is a day to recognize the strength, capabilities, and responsibilities of young people. Being a youth means being filled with dreams, creativity, and energy. However, to achieve these great things, we need to learn from one another, lead each other, and provide mutual support. In today’s world, youth face numerous challenges due to limited education, scarce job opportunities, and political instability. Political issues affect not just youth but every individual significantly. For young people, the primary issue is political turmoil, which leads to consequences like limited access to education.
For example, due to political reasons, schools have closed, curriculums have changed, and we’ve had to switch between old and new systems. This has led to a decline in the quality of education. This results in missed opportunities and reduced access to education. We also face mental and social pressures, such as stress from political violence, war, educational challenges, and family economic struggles. Many young people, like me, are unable to express their desires due to these challenges. I believe other youth are facing similar difficulties in this period.
On this International Youth Day, I want to encourage young people: youth is a time filled with challenges, difficulties, and changes. In such circumstances, we need to hold onto hope. This hope is the key force that helps us face challenges and strive for progress. Another critical aspect is believing in ourselves. Only with self-confidence can we reach our desired goals. If young people persevere courageously without giving up, I believe our dreams and aspirations will soon be realized. I want to inspire youth from here to stay strong and keep pushing forward.
Kantarawaddy Times