What is International Youth Day?

The United Nations' International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12 every year.  On this day, youth's effort for the enhancement of the global society is recognized. It also aims to promote and engage the youth for becoming more actively involved to make positive contributions to their communities from all around the world. The UN defines the worlds’ youth as the age group between 15 and 24 years old. The idea for International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 by young people who were gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the UN’s World Youth Forum.

What is the purpose of International Youth Day?

The main purpose of the International Youth Day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural, educational, legal and development issues surrounding youth. International Youth Day focuses on the rights of the youth to have full access to education, adequate healthcare, employment opportunities, financial services and full participation in public life.

History of International Youth Day:

In 1999, the UN General Assembly designated 12 August as International Youth Day. The first International Youth Day was observed on 12th August 2000 after the UN General Assembly passed a resolution accepting the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon in 1998.

This annual celebration encourages young people to assign a role in promoting human rights and development. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges and hardships facing the world’s youth.

Youths are considered as powerful agents of change and progress when they are well educated and empowered in different sectors. They need participated in the decision making position. Yet around the world, too many youths are being left behind. They receive a substandard education, or no education at all, and find a few decent employment opportunities. They struggle to access basic sexual and reproductive health information and services. Without these tools, young people – young women, in particular – find themselves grappling with poverty, early pregnancy, disease and other challenges.

What is the theme of International Youth Day: 2019?

The theme of the International Youth Day 2019 is, “Transforming Education”. The theme highlights the effort for making equal access to education for all the youths around the world.

It is rooted in Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of UN – to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” –  International Youth Day 2019 examines how Governments, young people and youth-led and youth-focused organizations, as well as other stakeholders, are transforming education and how these efforts are contributing to the achievement of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UN reports only 10% of people have completed upper secondary education in low-income countries whereas 40 % of the global population is not taught in a language they speak or fully understand.  And over 75 % of secondary school-age refugees are out of school. In addition, indigenous youth, young people with disabilities, young women, young people belonging to vulnerable groups or in vulnerable situations, etc. are facing additional challenges to accessing education that respects their diverse needs and abilities as well as reflects and embraces their unique realities and identities, organization adds.

How an International Youth Day is celebrated?

During International Youth Day, different youth empowerment programs such as concerts, conferences, Sporting events, workshops, cultural events and meeting involving national and international officials and youth organizations take place around the world.

Many events and activities take place around the world on international Youth Day to promote the benefits that young people bring into the world.  

International Youth Day: 2019 !