International Youth Day 2024: Theme, Date, Significance, History

Every year August 12 is celebrated as International Youth Day with the aim to draw worldwide focus towards various issues surrounding the youths of our world.  Awareness is raised on certain barriers pertaining to inter-generational solidarity, notably ageism and other cultural and legal issues. These issues have damaging effects on society as a whole and steps must be taken to prevent them.

The first International Youth Day was observed on 12 August, 2000 after its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1999.

International Youth Day 2023 Date

Here are the important dates for upcoming celebration of International Youth Day:

Youth Day 2024 Overview

International Youth Day Significance

Observed every year on August 12, the IYD offers a platform to honor the qualities of youth and the potential that they hold towards development of a nation and the world as a whole. The day also acknowledges the challenges faced by them and to eliminate the issues. A lot of contribution is made by young people towards community development, in protection of environment and volunteering on various social projects.

Full details- World Mosquito Day

It is therefore our duty to provide them with the needful resources such as education, health care supplies, etc.

The International Youth Day focuses on the difficulties experienced by the youths throughout the world. Most children are deprived of basic education and suffer from hunger and poverty which is a great hindrance towards their growth. To secure their future so that they grow into promising youths, steps need to be taken now. The day calls everyone to join the efforts of United Nation and help it achieve its SDGs.

History behind Observation of International Youth Day

The United Nations General Assembly, in 1965, started making efforts to make positive impact on the lives of youths worldwide. Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples was sanctioned and there was an increase in the amount of time and resources devoted towards empowering the youth. The same was done by recognizing up-and-coming leaders and offering them resources to meet the needs of the world.

Again in 1999, a recommendation was made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth to observe International Youth Day. On December 17, 1999 the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution and the first International Youth Day was celebrated on August 12, 2000. Since then, the IYD is observed every year with great enthusiasm all around the world.

Check: Other special days in August

Theme for International Youth Day 2024 Celebration

International Youth Day 2024 theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development“

International Youth Day Celebration

On the occasion of International Youth Day, many government officials, local as well as national, non-government organizations, youth administrations, etc. organize events to celebrate the day. Workshops, meetings, concerts, cultural events, etc. take place around the world focusing on the empowerment of youths.

You can participate in such events that are being conducted in your locality or also conduct events of your own in your neighborhood and invite others to be part of it.

FAQs

Question 1: What were the previous themes for International Youth Day celebration?

Answer: Here are some of the previous themes on which International Youth Day (IYD) celebration were based upon:

Question 2: When will the next International Youth Day observed?

Answer: International Youth Day is celebrated on 12th of August.

Question 3: What is World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY)?

Answer: World Programme of Action for Youth is a program of action developed by the United Nations that covers fifteen youth priority areas and contains proposals for action in each of these areas.