The Importance of International Youth Day and Student Activities

12 August is celebrated to spread awareness about youth and draw attention to issues facing youth around the world. Learn more about the day, its history, theme, meaning, etc. 

There is a need for inclusive support mechanisms for youth to collectively and individually strengthen their efforts to restore the planet and protect life while integrating biodiversity into the transformation of food systems. International Youth Day recognizes and celebrates the contribution of youth around the world.

Undoubtedly, the day focuses on the youth’s efforts to develop the country. International Youth Day is celebrated to recognize the efforts of the world’s youth to strengthen the global society and to highlight the cultural and legal surrounding youth. The day also promotes ways to engage young people in making a positive contribution to their communities.

Themes that are Associated with Youth Day Each Year

1. The Theme of International Youth Day which is running in 2022 around the world is Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages. The objective is to amplify the message that action is needed across all generations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and leave no one behind.
2. The theme of International Youth Day 2021 was  “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”. The theme highlights the success of such global efforts that cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people or youth.
3. Issues and priorities are also highlighted by young participants during the ECOSOC Youth Forum (EYF) 2021, which included the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly related to its impact on human health, the environment, and food systems.
4. The theme of International Youth Day 2020 was “Engaging Youth in Global Action”. According to the UN, the theme focuses on the ways in which the involvement of young people at the local, national and global levels enriches national and multilateral institutions and processes. It also draws lessons on how their representation and involvement in formal institutional politics can be significantly strengthened.
5. The theme of International Youth Day 2019 was “Transforming Education”. The theme highlights efforts to make education more relevant, fair, and inclusive for all young people, including the efforts of young people themselves.
6. The International Youth Day 2018 had the theme of “Safe Places for Youth” and in 2017 “Youth Build Peace”. 

It is necessary for the youth to come together, engage in activities with different needs and interests, participate in the decision-making process and express themselves freely. But to do this, youth need safe spaces, such as civic spaces, that allow youth to engage in governance issues; public spaces to participate in sports and other leisure activities in the village; digital spaces for virtual interaction with everyone; well-planned physical spaces that can help meet the needs of youth, especially those suffering from any kind of violence, etc.

International Youth Day: History

From 1965 to 1975, international youth policy was emphasized, and both the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council focus on the three basic themes of youth participation, development, and peace.

Did you know that the former International Youth Day is celebrated as the International Year of Youth, and the General Assembly, by resolution 34/151, designated 1985 as the International Year of Youth: Participation, Development, Peace? 

Ten years later, in 1995, some guidelines and rules were created to help people around the world work together to improve the lives of young people. Some areas have been identified as priorities for youth, such as education, employment, poverty, health, environment, delinquency, drug abuse, HIV and AIDS, girls and young women, participation, globalization, intergenerational relations, youth conflicts, communication technology, and free time. time activities.

The resolution declaring August 12 as International Youth Day was adopted at the first meeting of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in 1998. Hosted by the Government of Portugal in cooperation with the United Nations (Lisbon, August 8-12, 1998).

In December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 64/134, which declared the year starting 12 August 2010 as the International Year of Youth. To mark the occasion, the day calls on governments, civil society, individuals, and communities around the world to support activities at local and international levels.

This day fulfills the goals of improving the lives of the youth or young people in the world, so they told government agencies, charities, and other organizations from around the world.

Security Council Resolution 2250 (December 9, 2015) on Youth, Peace, and Security represents an unprecedented recognition of the urgent need to engage young peacebuilders in promoting peace and countering extremism and clearly positions youth as important partners in global efforts.

How is International Youth Day celebrated?

Each year, the United Nations selects themes for International Youth Day so that participants can focus on relevant themes and plan their actions. On this day, several events and activities are held around the world. Usually, these events are parades, concerts, fairs, festivals, exhibitions, sports, etc.

To spread the message, the UN has developed a framework approach and emphasized three approaches. Those are increased engagement and investment in youth, increased participation and partnership of youth, and increased intercultural understanding among youth.

On this day, several educational radio programs, public meetings, and debates are organized. A round table discussion between adults and young people is initiated to promote intergenerational understanding. A youth forum is organized to exchange ideas, and a concert, an exhibition, etc. are organized.