Youth Well-Being Through the Prism of Sustainable Development

Abstract

 Introduction: Nowadays, the problem of population aging is emerging as a crucial issue in most European countries and worldwide.

 Aim: Accordingly, it is necessary to devote greater attention not only to the health and social care of the elderly but also to younger generations, those who are yet to come.

 Materials and Methods: Young people represent the potential and development opportunity of every country, and it is necessary to ensure better living conditions for this segment of the population (through financial support for employment, greater social inclusion, especially for vulnerable social groups, and better healthcare). There are numerous indicators that monitor the development of the young population to reveal crucial problems that need to be systematically addressed. The paper presents innovative indicators that focus on young people and monitor their progress in various social segments (the Youth Well-Being Index and the Youth Participation Index), individual quantitative and qualitative indicator values, the methods of data collection, and the goals and purpose of their use for monitoring and involving young people in various activities of social life.

 Results: The Strategy for Youth in the Republic of Serbia 2023–2030, the Guide to the Youth Well-Being Index, and the Monitoring Report on the Political, Economic, and Social Participation of Youth 2023 are the key documents from which the results of these indicators were obtained.

 Conclusion: Both indicators are of crucial importance for decision-makers and various civil society organisations, with the aim of improving the position of young people and achieving intersectoral cooperation. Local governments can better plan budget funds and available resources for young people.