Youth Networks' Advances Toward the Sustainable Development Goals During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

From countries closing their borders, to ventilator “piracy” and accusations of conspiracy, the COVID-19 pandemic has made significant impacts on traditional international relations. Youth networks have emerged as a powerful tool for improving people-to-people diplomacy among countries, and present a system capable of managing unique difficulties associated with the pandemic. For instance, young bioengineers have developed 3D-printed personal protective equipment and ventilators to serve as inexpensive supplies to combat the malignancies of the disease. In complement, volunteer groups have developed solutions towards patient care of especially vulnerable populations such as those displaced in refugee camps. This work discusses the impact these initiatives have had on public diplomacy and how they are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals amid the pandemic.