Kids Portal For Parents India Kids Network
International Youth Day celebrates the achievements of the young generation and honours the challenges they face. They are facing a number of challenges, including climate change, poverty, and inequality.
International Youth Day is celebrated every year on August 12 and it aims to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities faced by young people worldwide.
International Youth Day: 12 August
This day is created by the United Nations and every year the youth organisations and members of the UN Inter-Agency decide the theme.
The UN states: “International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August. The Focal Point on Youth selects a theme for the day often with input from youth organizations and members of the UN Inter-Agency Network in Youth development.”
“It also organizes a virtual commemoration of the Day. The Programme encourages youth around the world to organize activities to raise awareness about the situation of youth in their country,” it adds.
International Youth Day: History
The day was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, following a recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon, Portugal.
The goal of this day is to promote the participation of young people in decision-making processes at all levels, as well as highlights the importance of the youth in building a more peaceful and sustainable future.
The day is also an opportunity to celebrate young people’s achievements and advocate for their rights.
The UN mentions: “In 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day.”
“The Assembly recommended that public information activities be organized to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth, adopted by the General Assembly in 1995 (resolution 50/81),” it adds.
Theme:
- 2024: From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development
- 2023: Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World
- 2022: Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages
- 2021: Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health
- 2020: Youth Engagement for Global Action
- 2019: Transforming Education
- 2018: Safe Spaces for the Youth
- 2017: Youth Building Peace
The theme of green skills highlights the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need to contribute to a sustainable future.
Green skills are the skills that are needed to work in green industries, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and waste management. These industries are growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for workers with green skills.
Training young people with green skills is important for a number of reasons:
- It will help to create jobs and opportunities for young people in the growing green economy.
- It will address the climate crisis.
- This will help to build a more sustainable world for future generations.
The UN mentions on its website: “For the official commemoration of International Youth Day 2023, DESA will organize a global webinar in collaboration with the UN Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth and Generation Unlimited.”
“The webinar will offer critical information and data and will promote discussions and an exchange of ideas on green skills for youth. It will feature perspectives from international organizations, national governments and young experts working in this area,” it adds.
Significance:
International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August to highlight youth issues and celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society. Here are five points underscoring its significance:
- Awareness: It brings youth issues to the attention of the international community.
- Recognition: It celebrates the potential of youth as essential contributors to society.
- Engagement: It encourages young people to take active roles in their communities.
- Dialogue: It promotes intergenerational understanding and collaboration.
- Action: It inspires initiatives and activities that address youth-related challenges.
How to Celebrate International Youth Day?
There are many ways to celebrate International Youth Day. The UN suggests the following:
- Educational radio show. Contact popular local / national radio stations to request a slot to have a discussion with distinguished individuals and youth.
- Organize a (virtual) public meeting or debate to discuss young people’s contributions to global issues.
- Initiate round table discussions among adults and young people to promote intergenerational understanding.
- Organize a youth forum to exchange ideas and discuss cultural backgrounds in order to help young people accept others and popularize a culture of non-violence.
- Organize a (virtual) concert to promote International Youth Day and the launch of the Year. Invite your local musicians and combine it with a panel discussion or invite a politician or policy maker to hold the keynote speech.
- Create an “info point” about youth-related issues in the center of town/village, at high schools, or at university centers.
- Organize an exhibition. Get permission to use a public space for an arts exhibit, which showcases the challenges of young people today or how young people are contributing to development. Try to involve young people in the domains of culture, arts and music, to raise awareness on youth-related issues.
- Write to your Minister of Youth to inform him or her about the challenges young people face in their daily lives and to suggest solutions. A list of Ministers of Youth can be found at www.un.org/youth.”
In conclusion, International Youth Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of young people and raise awareness of the challenges they face. It is also an opportunity to commit to taking action to equip young people with the skills they need to contribute to a sustainable future.
