Youth say health biggest concern for the future

A recent poll on the mobile-based platform, U-Report Malawi, has shown that many young people think health is the biggest concern for the future and should be the main priority as the world continues to fight COVID-19.

U-Report, which allows young people to share their views on various issues through regular opinion polling, currently has over 224 000 participants called U-Reporters from across Malawi. As part of commemorating the 75th anniversary of the United Nations this year, a poll adapted from the UN75 online survey was sent out to U-Reporters to share their thoughts on current and emerging global trends and spark ideas for building the future they want by 2045.

Out of the 21 057 who participated in the poll, 60 percent say the international community should prioritize health to recover better from the COVID-19 pandemic while 18 percent mention education.

Taking a longer view of global priorities, 32 percent of the respondents say better access to health care services is what they want to see most in the world in the next 25 years. This is followed by good environment and more jobs at 14 percent each.

Almost half of the respondents (49 percent) think that diseases will be the biggest threat affecting people’s future while 16 percent cite climate change as their main concern for the world’s future.

About 8 in 10 (79 percent) of those who participated in the poll say it is essential for countries around the world to work together to manage emerging trends that threaten the world’s future while 44 percent acknowledge that COVID-19 has changed their views on the need for cooperation between countries.

Launched by the UN Secretary-General, the UN75 Initiative aims to listen to people across the world on shaping a better future for all.

During COVID-19, UNICEF has used the U-Report digital platform to reach young people in Malawi with messaging on COVID-19. Poll results reflect the views of registered U-Reporters, who may not be representative of the entire population in Malawi.

To participate in the UN75 online survey, visit https://un75.online/

To see U-Report Malawi results on UN75 poll, visit: https://ureport.mw/opinion/4423/

Mr. Benoit Thiry

UN Resident Coordinator (ad interim)

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Currently, there are more than 20 Agencies and specialized organizations of the United Nations active in Malawi which, through their work, contribute to ensuring a better life for the people of Malawi.

For more information, contact: Development Coordination Officer (Programme Communications and Advocacy) in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Phillip Pemba, on phillip.pemba@one.un.org or +265995271671.