Beirut, 12 August 2021--On the occasion of International Youth Day marked annually on 12 August, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is launching a comic book, the "ESCWA Stories", which narrates the adventures of 6 Arab youths united by their faith in a brighter tomorrow.
The book raises awareness on the critical role that young people can play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in five stories which illustrate the characters' endeavours to realize social justice and equality, combat poverty, protect the environment and contribute to the prosperity of their neighbourhood.
"Young people are our present and future; they are leaders and key partners in efforts to find solutions to daily struggles and achieve sustainable development," ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti affirmed. "They must be fully involved at all stages of the development process and we should provide them with all the needed support, so that we can together chart a sustainable and steady path towards the future," she added.
The events and characters of the comic book are inspired by the mission of ESCWA and its approach to dealing with the challenges of the region. Its narrators are 9-year-old "Ward" and her grandfather, two generations bridging the past and future of a neighbourhood which represents the Arab region.
An accompanying series of videos will be released weekly, and the book will be distributed to various schools across Arab countries for students to enjoy the stories and discuss their topics.
You can download the book here and watch the videos on our YouTube channel.
***
About ESCWA
One of five United Nations regional commissions, ESCWA supports inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Arab States, and works on enhancing regional integration.
