International Youth Day

International Youth Day (IYD) is observed every year on 12 August to celebrate the power, potential, and role of young people in shaping societies and to draw attention to the challenges they face globally. Established by the United Nations in 1999, the day serves as a platform for governments, organisations, and youth movements to promote policies and initiatives that empower young people to participate actively in social, economic, and political life.

Background and Origin

The idea of dedicating a day to youth emerged from the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1998. The conference recognised the growing need to involve young people in decision-making and sustainable development processes.
Following this, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 54/120 on 17 December 1999, formally declaring 12 August as International Youth Day. The decision was based on recommendations from the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY), which serves as a framework to address youth issues such as education, employment, health, environment, and participation in governance.

Objectives of International Youth Day

International Youth Day seeks to:

• Highlight youth issues such as unemployment, education, climate change, and mental health.
• Promote youth engagement in decision-making processes and community development.
• Foster intergenerational dialogue and collaboration between young people and policymakers.
• Encourage sustainable development, innovation, and inclusion through youth-driven initiatives.
• Recognise the achievements of young people in promoting peace, equality, and social justice.

By observing this day, the United Nations aims to strengthen partnerships that enable young people to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to the global community.

Themes and Significance

Each year, International Youth Day is celebrated with a specific theme that reflects contemporary global priorities. Past themes have included:

• 2015: Youth Civic Engagement
• 2016: The Road to 2030 – Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production
• 2017: Youth Building Peace
• 2018: Safe Spaces for Youth
• 2019: Transforming Education
• 2020: Youth Engagement for Global Action
• 2021: Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health
• 2022: Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages
• 2023: Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World

Each theme underscores a key dimension of sustainable development, highlighting the role of young people in addressing social and environmental issues.

Importance of Youth in Global Development

Young people, defined by the UN as those aged 15 to 24 years, constitute over 1.2 billion of the world’s population—about 16% of humanity. They are central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as their creativity, energy, and innovation drive progress across all sectors.
Key contributions of youth include:

• Social Change: Youth activism has been instrumental in movements for democracy, climate action, and gender equality.
• Economic Growth: Young entrepreneurs and innovators contribute to employment generation and economic resilience.
• Technology and Innovation: Youth-led digital initiatives are transforming education, communication, and governance.
• Peacebuilding: Young leaders play vital roles in conflict resolution, community cohesion, and humanitarian work.

International Youth Day provides a global forum to recognise these contributions and address barriers that limit young people’s full participation.

Celebrations and Activities

International Youth Day is celebrated worldwide through a variety of events and initiatives organised by governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and youth groups. Common activities include:

• Seminars and workshops on education, skill development, and employment.
• Youth-led cultural programmes promoting art, diversity, and social inclusion.
• Panel discussions and policy dialogues addressing youth participation in governance.
• Community projects and volunteer drives focusing on sustainability, environment, and social welfare.
• Social media campaigns amplifying youth voices using global hashtags such as #YouthDay and #InternationalYouthDay.

In many countries, universities, schools, and youth organisations collaborate to host leadership sessions, innovation challenges, and entrepreneurship summits that inspire young people to take positive action.

Youth Empowerment in India

India, with one of the world’s largest youth populations, actively observes International Youth Day through programmes coordinated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the National Youth Policy, and the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS).
Key initiatives supporting youth development in India include:

• Skill India Mission – providing vocational training and employability skills.
• Digital India Programme – promoting digital literacy and innovation.
• Startup India – encouraging youth entrepreneurship.
• National Service Scheme (NSS) – engaging youth in community development and social service.

These efforts aim to harness the demographic dividend by empowering youth as agents of change in building a sustainable and inclusive nation.

Challenges Facing Youth Today

Despite progress, young people continue to face several global challenges that hinder their development and participation:

• Unemployment and underemployment in both developed and developing nations.
• Limited access to quality education and skills training.
• Mental health concerns due to stress, isolation, and social pressures.
• Gender inequality and exclusion of marginalised groups.
• Climate change and environmental degradation affecting future opportunities.
• Political marginalisation and limited representation in governance.

International Youth Day underscores the need for policies that ensure inclusive education, decent work, social protection, and equal opportunities for all youth.

Global Impact and Future Outlook

International Youth Day has become a symbol of hope and action, inspiring millions of young people worldwide to participate in the global development agenda. It encourages collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to build sustainable pathways for youth empowerment.
The United Nations continues to emphasise the importance of investing in youth through education, health, and employment programmes, recognising them as partners in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development