The future belongs to the young, and so do the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, the question remains—how can
Sikkim’s youth become active participants in achieving these ambitious global
targets? The time has come for the Sikkim government to seriously ponder over
this.
Sikkim has a young and vibrant population ready to
embrace change. But awareness alone is not enough. The youth must be equipped
with the right tools, platforms, and opportunities to transform their enthusiasm
into tangible actions.
Integrating the SDGs into school and college curricula is
crucial. Young minds need to understand how their local actions contribute to
global change. Educational institutions should introduce projects focusing on
sustainable waste management, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
Hands-on learning, combined with theory, will foster a generation that not only
understands sustainability but also practices it.
For real change, young people must be included in
decision-making. Currently, youth engagement in governance remains largely
symbolic. The government should institutionalize youth participation by
creating advisory councils, conducting town halls, and ensuring representation
in policy discussions. The participatory democracy model Sikkim champions must
extend to real decision-making, allowing young voices to shape policies that
impact their future.
Sikkim’s youth are tech-savvy and adaptable. However,
their potential remains untapped due to limited resources and lack of infrastructure.
The government should support youth-led startups that focus on clean
technology, eco-friendly tourism, and digital solutions for rural development.
Providing access to funding, mentorship, and incubation centers can create a
thriving ecosystem for sustainable entrepreneurship.
Despite Sikkim’s progressive stance on environmental
sustainability, challenges persist. Limited job opportunities force many young
people to migrate. Moreover, a lack of digital infrastructure in rural areas
hinders progress. To address these issues, the state must invest in skill
development, vocational training, and digital connectivity, ensuring that
youth-led initiatives are not just ideas but executable solutions. Engaging the
youth will also address mental health issues, help in the prevention of
suicide, and increase the creative economy, providing holistic development for
the state.
The responsibility to achieve the SDGs is a shared one.
While the government must lead the way by providing opportunities and
resources, young people must step up, take ownership, and drive change. NGOs,
academic institutions, and businesses must also collaborate to create an
enabling environment where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.
Sikkim has the potential to be a model state for
youth-led sustainable development. But for this to happen, rhetoric must
translate into action. The time for passive discussions is over—empowering the
youth is the only way forward.
