International Youth Day

International Youth Day History

International Youth Day celebrates the importance and contributions of young people worldwide. The day was first established by the UN General Assembly in 1999. Its purpose is to recognize the potential of young people as agents of change, promote their participation in decision-making processes, and raise awareness of the challenges and issues affecting them.

International Youth Day has a significant history, dating back to 1985 when the United Nations created the International Year of Youth. The observance has grown to become a platform for young people to express themselves, engage with policy-makers and stakeholders, and share their views and experiences. In America, the holiday is particularly significant, given the large number of young people, their diversity, and the many issues facing them, including education, employment, health, and social justice.

In America, International Youth Day is observed through various activities and events organized by youth organizations, schools, and community groups. These events may include discussions, workshops, concerts, sports, and recreational activities that promote youth participation and empowerment. Additionally, there may be rallies and marches to raise awareness of youth-related issues and call for action from policymakers. International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12, providing an opportunity for young people to connect, build networks, and be inspired to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

International Youth Day facts & quotes

• The Theme of International Youth Day in 2023 was Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World
• International Youth Day has been celebrated in over 100 countries, making it one of the most widely observed UN days.
• The UN defines youth as people between the ages of 15 and 24 years, but events for International Youth Day often include people of all ages.
• Youth activist Malala Yousafzal (17 at the time) became the youngest Nobel Laureate in 2014. Yousafzal advocates for the rights of all youth seeking an education, regardless of gender, religion, or creed.
• Of the 1.8 billion youth in the world today, half survive on less than $2 per day.
• Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If, however, they are left on society's margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies - Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Youth Day

Top things to do in the US for International Youth Day

• Participate in a Youth Day celebration within your city. Use the hashtag #YouthDay to promote and find events.
• Encourage confidence building activities for the youth in your life. This can be done by having youth participate in sports, drama clubs, debate clubs and music bands.
• Encourage youth to learn about sustainability and engage in recycling. After all the garbage created today will also be inherited by youth.
• Empower the young ones in your life with books such as No Body's Perfect: Stories by Teens about Body Image, Self-Acceptance, and the Search for Identity (2002), The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (2014), and The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens (2006).
• Watch movies that inspire youth to make a positive impact in the world. Our picks : Dr. Seuss: The Lorax (2012), Living on One Dollar (2013), Girl Rising (2014), and He Named Me Malala (2015).