Every year on August 12, people around the world observe International Youth Day. The day raises awareness of the many difficulties that young people confront while simultaneously showcasing their enormous potential and accomplishments.
According to the UN, these international days provide a platform to bring significant issues to the public’s attention, mobilize political will and resources to address global issues, and commemorate and reinforce humankind’s achievements.
History:
International Youth Day is an initiative of the United Nations and is being celebrated since the year 2000. A resolution to proclaim August 12 as the International Youth Day was adopted by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth at its first session in Lisbon, Portugal in August 1998. The UN General Assembly later supported the decision in Dec 1999, and formally adopted the UN Resolution 54/120.
Significance:
The International Youth Day serves as an opportunity for governments and other important stakeholders to draw their attention to the young people. It helps in spreading awareness regarding the legal, economic and cultural challenges faced by them.
The day is also significant to honor the contributions, achievements and talents of young people and encourage their further participation.
As the future of our societies and countries, young people must be at the heart of all our endeavors. They hold the key for economic and social development and global progress.
The day is particularly significant for India, the country with the largest youth population in the world. With more than 65% of its population below the age of 35 and over 600 million people between 18 and 35 years, we have the largest number of millennials and Gen Zs. While this is an asset for any rising economy, it can also become a challenge easily. It is important that the governments and private sector remain sensitive to the problems of young people, keep up with the times and do everything in their capacity to fulfill their aspirations.
Celebrations:
Across the world, various concerts, workshops, awareness campaigns, volunteer activities, cultural events, and meetings take place involving national and local governments and youth organizations.
The United Nations suggests a few activities like – educational radio show, public meeting or debate, round table discussions among adults and young people, youth forums, virtual concert, exhibitions, etc. It recommends making the programmes fun and relatable for all.
Theme:
The theme for this year, is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” Digitalization has taken over the world and over all aspects of our lives and has an important role to play in Sustainable Development. Young people have made this digital revolution possible. However, important challenges like digital divide and cyber security remain. Meanwhile, Sustainable development must be at the heart of all our initiatives and young people have the most crucial role in it. As UN Secy Gen Antonio Guterres stated, “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a seismic shift – which can only happen if we empower young people and work with them as equals. “
A year ago, the theme was “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World” while in 2022 it was “Inter-generational solidarity: Creating a world for all ages”.
International Youth Day must not just be a day of celebrations and events, but a day to truly reflect upon the numerous problems confronting the world. From education and health to livelihood opportunities and from climate change to civil liberties, youngsters across the world are facing issues every day. The world must come together in resolving these challenges and work, sincerely and sustainably, for our future generations. Young people have a particularly important role in shaping a bright, equitable, and free future for all.
