Prize-Giving Ceremony for Youth in Focus SDG Photo Competition

On 14 August 2025, to mark International Youth Day, the United Nations in Mauritius hosted the Youth in Focus – SDG Photography Prize-Giving Ceremony at the Institut Français de Maurice. The event brought together youth, government officials, UN representatives, diplomats, private sector partners, and creative professionals to honour the winners of a national photography competition and celebrate the power of youth-led action for sustainable development.

Launched on UN Day 2024, the competition invited Mauritian youth aged 14–25 to visually interpret the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the themes of People, Prosperity, and Planet. Between October 2024 and April 2025, submissions were received, offering a unique lens on the challenges and hopes shaping communities across the island.

A Platform for Youth Empowerment

With less than five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, the urgency to mobilize all generations, especially young people, is greater than ever. The Youth in Focus initiative was designed to spotlight youth as strategic partners in development, using photography not only as an art form but as a tool for advocacy, storytelling, and change.

From climate action and education to food security and plastic pollution, the entries reflected the lived realities of young Mauritians and their commitment to shaping a more inclusive and resilient future.

The initiative also underscored the transformative power of art. Photography, as a medium, transcends age, background, and identity, serving as a connector that gives voice to the unheard and creates space for dialogue. The submissions revealed not only artistic talent, but also a deep awareness of the challenges and possibilities facing Mauritius and the world.

Youth Voices at the Centre

The Prize-Giving Ceremony was a call to action. In her address, Ms. Lisa Singh, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, emphasized:

“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today. Through photography as a medium, we celebrate their creativity, voice, and power to shape an inclusive and resilient future where every citizen lives life to the fullest. The UN stands with every young person: keep showing up, speaking out, and driving change.”

In a thoughtful reflection on the competition’s core values, Mrs. Aneeta Ghoorah, Ombudsperson for Children, underscored how the initiative:

“...resonates deeply with the mandate of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children – to uphold and promote the rights and dignity of every child in Mauritius as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Central to their rights is the freedom for you youngsters to express your views, share your concerns and voice out your aspirations.”

The evening also featured remarks from Mr. Ricaud Auckbur, Chief Technical Officer at the Ministry of Education and Human Resource, who reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to widening opportunities for young people. His presence underscored national efforts to nurture youth creativity, invest in their potential, and empower them to become genuine agents of change in shaping Mauritius’s future.

A stirring performance by Mauritian artist Azor added a vibrant cultural dimension to the evening, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary storytelling. Her dynamic presence had the audience clapping, singing, and laughing along, setting a joyful and inclusive tone that carried through the entire celebration.

Youth as Strategic Stakeholders

Mauritius is home to over 175,000 young people aged 15–24, representing 14 percent of the population. Globally, youth make up 1.2 billion people yet remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces. Only 2.5 percent of parliamentarians worldwide are under 30, and two-thirds of the world’s poor are children and youth.

Beyond the competition, Mauritian youth continue to lead across sectors, in the National Youth Parliament and Diaspora Volunteering Project and regional platforms like the Indian Ocean Climate Conference for Youth. These initiatives reflect a growing movement of youth shaping policy, driving climate action, and promoting solidarity across island nations.

Recognizing this, the UN in Mauritius continues to champion youth-led development through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). From inclusive education and climate resilience to innovation and entrepreneurship, youth are central to national progress.

Building Momentum Through Partnership

The success of Youth in Focus reflects the strength of collaboration. The UN in Mauritius acknowledges the vital contributions of the Government of Mauritius, SBM, ER Group, Constance Hotels & Resorts, and the professional photographers whose mentoring videos helped participants bring their visions to life. These partnerships demonstrate how creative engagement can unlock new pathways for progress, especially when youth are empowered to lead.

Looking Ahead

As the 2030 deadline approaches, initiatives like Youth in Focus are catalysts for change. By amplifying youth voices and showcasing their leadership, the UN in Mauritius reaffirms its commitment to building a future that is inclusive, resilient, and driven by those who have the most at stake.

As Ms. Singh reminded participants, every submission told a story worth sharing. In a world where youth voices often go unheard, initiatives like Youth in Focus affirm that every young person has the power to dream boldly, act decisively, and shape a future full of opportunity.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a shared promise that must be fulfilled with youth, and for youth.