International Youth Day

International Youth Day is on August 12 and focuses on the challenges that young people face around the world. Many children between the ages of six and 13 can’t read or do basic math, and poverty is still a big problem in many places. The United Nations created this day to bring attention to these issues and encourage people to find solutions. It’s a day to think about these problems and also to take action. There will be concerts, workshops, and cultural events, so check out what’s happening in your area.

This day celebrates young people’s strengths and recognizes the difficulties they face today. To solve these problems, it’s important that young people have access to education, healthcare, and other resources. Scholaroo is a platform that gathers scholarships from around the world to help young people.

International Youth Day started in 2000, organized by the UN to acknowledge the contributions young people make in education, community work, environmental efforts, and volunteering.

International Youth Day 2021 is planned on August 12.

When is International Youth Day 2024?

Our young and carefree days don’t last forever. Sadly, many young people around the world face challenges and don’t have access to the important resources they need for a better future. These issues are highlighted on International Youth Day, which is observed on August 12.

History of International Youth Day

In 1965, the United Nations General Assembly started focusing on helping young people. They supported a declaration promoting peace, respect, and understanding among youth. The UN began dedicating time and resources to empower young leaders and provide them with what they need to help the world.

On December 17, 1999, the UN General Assembly accepted a recommendation from the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, leading to the creation of International Youth Day. The first celebration was on August 12, 2000. Since then, the day has been used to educate society, involve young people in politics, and manage resources to solve global problems.

The day often features big events. In 2013, YOUTHINK hosted an International Youth Conference with key speakers and an awards ceremony. Recently, events have been hosted by the Indian Youth Cafe in Chennai. The theme for 2019 was “transforming education.”

In 2020, the theme was “Youth Engagement for Global Action.” This theme focused on how young people’s involvement at national and international levels supports institutions and processes, and on how their participation in politics can be increased.

International Youth Day timeline

Traditions of the Day

International Youth Day gives young people a chance to share their voices. It encourages them to take action and work towards creating more opportunities for themselves.

Youth around the world face different challenges depending on where they live. In developed and developing countries, young people often deal with mental and social issues, while in underdeveloped countries, they struggle with more basic needs like education, health, and jobs.

These challenges are discussed at local, institutional, and government levels. On International Youth Day, there are seminars, training sessions, debates, discussion forums with important speakers, fundraisers, and educational materials to raise awareness. By better understanding the problems that young people face, it becomes easier to make policy changes that can help them.

By The Numbers

15–24 – the age group defined as ‘youth.’

⅙ – the human population consisting of the worlds’ youth.

1991 – the year when the idea for International Youth Day was first proposed.

77% – the percentage of youth informally employed.

4% – the percentage of the likelihood of women being less literate than males.

20% – the percentage of youngsters who experience mental health problems every year.

152 million – the number of young workers who live in households below the poverty line.

⅔ – the youth in developing countries not fulfilling their economic potential.

126 million – the number of youth who cannot read or write a sentence in 2011.

23 – the number of African countries implementing a national strategy on financial literacy.

International Youth Day FAQs

Who started International Youth Day?
The UN General Assembly started it in 1999.

What is the purpose of International Youth Day?
Its purpose is to raise awareness of issues facing the world’s youth and to celebrate their achievements.

How do you join the UN Youth?
You can join by writing to your minister of foreign affairs with a list of your accomplishments as a youth delegate and asking for further discussion.

What is the theme for International Youth Day 2024?
The theme for 2021 is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.”

How To Celebrate International Youth Day

1. Attend an International Youth Day event
Go to an International Youth Day event. There are concerts, sports events, parades, and mobile exhibitions that highlight young people’s achievements. You’ll be inspired by their talent and enjoy the entertainment.

2. Lend a helping hand
One of the best things we can offer young people is education. Consider getting involved in mentorship programs where you can share your knowledge with the next generation. There are programs like Big Brother and Big Sister, music lessons, and helping with speech therapy, among others.

3. Have an intergenerational discussion
Start a round-table discussion between adults and young people. This could be between parents and children or students and teachers. Discuss topics related to the theme of the year and really listen to what the younger generation has to say.

Five Facts About International Youth Day

1. Youth health
The World Health Organization is working on global standards for health in schools.

2. Childhood hunger
Each year, 16 million kids in the US struggle with hunger.

3. Staying fit
Children and adolescents should aim for an hour or more of physical activity each day.

4. Music that matters
Youth Ambassador Mohammed Assaf, a Palestinian refugee, uses his music to spread messages of hope to young Palestinian refugees.

5. Young entrepreneur
At 25, Rita Kimani from Kenya co-founded FarmDrive, which helps unbanked and underserved smallholder farmers access credit.

Why We Love International Youth Day

A. It focuses on building a better world for our children
International Youth Day goes beyond just encouraging kids. It sets specific priorities to make real improvements in children’s lives. The UN has identified fifteen key areas, including reducing HIV/AIDS cases, fighting childhood hunger, and increasing access to education.

B. It raises awareness about poverty
Many children go to bed hungry or start their day without a nutritious breakfast, which affects their ability to focus in school. In the United States alone, 13.1 million kids live in food-insecure homes, meaning they and their families don’t have enough nutritious food for a healthy life. Children in other parts of the world face similar challenges and often find themselves stuck in a cycle of poverty that’s hard to escape as they grow up. The more we understand these issues, the quicker we can work together to solve them.

C. It encourages creative thinking for a better future
International Youth Day’s priorities inspire people to think of specific actions they can take to improve kids’ lives. Recent UN writings have emphasized reducing pollution, using local products and services sustainably, and ensuring communities have access to resources. These ambitious but achievable goals inspire us to think critically about effective steps we can take to make a positive impact.