International Youth Day 2024: History, Theme, and Significance

12 August is observed annually as International Youth Day. It is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. The first IYD was observed on 12 August 2000.

The objective of International Youth Day 2022 is to amplify the message that action is needed across all generations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and leave no one behind. It will also raise awareness of certain barriers to intergenerational solidarity, notably ageism, which impacts young and old persons while having detrimental effects on society as a whole.

There are other thematic days. International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on 11 February. World Day Against Child Labour is observed on 12 June. World Youth Skills Day, International Day of the Girl Child, and World Children’s Day are observed on 15 July, 11 October, and 20 November respectively. Two similar observations are the International Year of Youth and International Youth Year: Participation, Development, and Peace which were observed in 2010 and 1985 respectively.

On the observance day, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, in his message conveyed

On this important day, let’s join hands across generations to break down barriers, and work as one to achieve a more equitable, just and inclusive world for all people.

History of International Youth Day

International Youth Day, celebrated on August 12th each year, is a testament to the importance of youth as agents of change in society. This day was first observed in the year 2000, but its roots can be traced back to the initiatives of the United Nations and the active participation of young people themselves.

The concept of International Youth Day emerged from the World Youth Forum of the United Nations System held in Vienna, Austria, in 1991. The young participants proposed the idea of a special day to celebrate youth, which led to the recommendation for International Youth Day during the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon in 1998. This recommendation was endorsed by the UN General Assembly later in 1999, marking the formal establishment of International Youth Day.

The day is not just a celebration but also an opportunity to raise awareness about issues affecting young people around the globe. Over the years, each International Youth Day has been centered around themes that reflect the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the youth. These themes have ranged from mental health and civic engagement to eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable consumption and production.

International Youth Day serves as a reminder of the potential of youth to contribute to global peace and development. It encourages governments, communities, and individuals to support and empower young people to participate fully in the socio-economic and socio-political spheres of their countries.

The theme of International Youth Day 2024

Every year, we celebrate International Youth Day on 12 August. In 2024, the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” underscores the pivotal role of digital technology in shaping a sustainable future. The theme reflects a global acknowledgment of the digital era’s influence on youth and their unique position to drive progress.

The theme of International Youth Day 2022 is “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages” — reminds us of a basic truth: we need people of all ages, young and old alike, to join forces to build a better world for all.

Significance of International Youth Day

The significance of International Youth Day lies in its ability to mobilize young individuals and recognize their contributions to societal advancement, economic progress, and sustainable development. It is a day that acknowledges the diverse and dynamic roles that young people play in promoting peace, mutual respect, and understanding between peoples as outlined by the United Nations in 1965.

Moreover, International Youth Day is a call to action for governments, organizations, and communities to support and empower youth. It is a day to reflect on the progress made and to recommit to the challenges that lie ahead, ensuring that the voices of youth are heard and their potential fully realized in the pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable world.

Quick Facts about Youths

Here are quick facts about Youths across the globe:

• Half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, and this number is expected to reach 57% by 2030.
• According to a survey, 67% of respondents believe in a better future, with 15 to 17-year-olds showing the greatest optimism.
• The majority of people agree that the age balance in politics is unbalanced. Across all age groups, more than two-thirds (69%) agree that younger people should have more opportunities to participate in policy development and change.
• In the world, only 2.6% of parliamentarians are under 30 years of age, and less than 1% of these young MPs are female.

How to Observe International Youth Day

Observing this day can involve a range of activities that promote the United Nations’ Agenda for Sustainable Development. One can start by educating oneself and others about the Sustainable Development Goals and their relevance to youth. Engaging in community events or organizing workshops that focus on sustainable development and consumption can be impactful. Additionally, empowering young individuals to take an active role in their future by involving them in discussions and decision-making processes related to local and global issues is crucial. It’s also beneficial to support youth-led projects and initiatives that align with the goals of sustainable development. Lastly, spreading awareness through social media, educational programs, and public discussions can help amplify the message of International Youth Day and encourage collective action.

International Youth Day Observation Dates

International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12th, serves as a crucial reminder of the potential and power of youth around the globe.

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