Designated by the United Nations, International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day observed annually on August 12.

The primary goal of the day is to highlight specific cultural and legal issues affecting young people. The inaugural celebration of International Youth Day occurred on August 12, 2000.

Background and History

• Origin: International Youth Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 as an opportunity to highlight the importance of youth and their role in society.

• Date: International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12th each year. The date was chosen to coincide with the adoption of the UN's World Programme of Action for Youth in 1995.

Objectives

• Empower Youth: International Youth Day aims to empower young people by promoting their participation in decision-making processes at local, national, and global levels.

• Raise Awareness: It raises awareness about the challenges and issues faced by young people, including education, employment, poverty, health, discrimination, and human rights abuses.

• Celebrate Achievements: The day celebrates the achievements, initiatives, and projects led by youth around the world that contribute to social, economic, and cultural development.

Themes and Focus Areas

• Annual Themes: Each year, International Youth Day focuses on a specific theme related to youth issues. Recent themes have included "Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health" (2021) and "The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production" (2020).

• Global Focus: Activities and events on International Youth Day often include conferences, forums, workshops, cultural performances, and campaigns organized by youth organizations, governments, and NGOs.

Importance of International Youth Day

• Youth Participation: The day encourages young people to engage actively in civic and political processes, advocate for their rights, and contribute to sustainable development goals.

• Policy Influence: It provides a platform for policymakers, stakeholders, and decision-makers to listen to the voices of youth, address their concerns, and create policies that promote youth development and well-being.

• Inspiration and Motivation: International Youth Day inspires and motivates young people to take leadership roles, initiate positive change in their communities, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

How to Participate

• Join Events: Participate in local or virtual events organized for International Youth Day, such as conferences, workshops, or community service projects.

• Promote Awareness: Use social media and other platforms to raise awareness about youth issues, share stories of young changemakers, and advocate for policies that support youth empowerment.

• Support Youth Initiatives: Volunteer with youth organizations, mentor young people, or support projects that promote education, health, employment, and human rights for youth.

Conclusion

International Youth Day serves as a global platform to celebrate the creativity, energy, and potential of young people worldwide. By recognizing their contributions, addressing their challenges, and empowering them to lead, societies can harness the immense talent and innovation of youth to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.