Jakarta (ANTARA) – Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir shared Indonesia's perspective on what he described as two major challenges facing young people worldwide—employment opportunities and mental health—with United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier.The two held a discussion at the UN Headquarters in New York, the United States, according to a statement received in Jakarta on Friday.”We discussed various issues relevant to young people around the world. We received valuable input to help ensure that youth programs are aligned with the actual needs of young men and women,” Thohir said in the statement.The minister emphasized the importance of placing these concerns at the center of every youth empowerment program to help young people build resilience amid rapid social and economic change.In this regard, Thohir highlighted Indonesia's commitment to supporting its young people through development programs tailored to their needs and aspirations.He said the government would continue promoting policies aimed at developing young people with strong character and the competencies needed to meet future challenges.According to Thohir, the approach is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to focus Indonesian youth development efforts on preparing future-ready generations.”The president's instruction is clear: we must nurture generations of patriotic, resilient, and empathetic young people. Therefore, every program should have clear objectives and deliver tangible benefits for their future,” Thohir said.He described the discussions at the United Nations as part of the ministry's efforts to broaden its perspectives and strengthen international cooperation in youth development.Thohir, who also serves as chairman of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI), said it is important for Indonesia to exchange ideas and best practices with other countries and international organizations to address increasingly complex challenges facing young people.He concluded by reaffirming the government's responsibility to create an enabling environment in which Indonesian young people can grow, thrive, and compete globally.