International Youth Day Introduction, When Is International Youth Day 2023? History Of International Youth Day, Traditions Of The Day, How to Celebrate International Youth Day, Five Facts About International Youth Day, Why We Love International Youth Day, Upcoming Dates.
International Youth Day, observed on August 12, serves as a significant platform to address the various challenges faced by young people worldwide. The day aims to raise awareness about the difficulties experienced by a substantial number of children between the ages of six and 13 who lack fundamental reading and math skills, as well as the persistent issue of childhood poverty on a global scale. Initiated by the United Nations in 2000, International Youth Day encourages reflection and action in finding solutions to these pressing issues.
The celebration honors the remarkable qualities and contributions of the youth while acknowledging the obstacles they encounter in today’s world. It underscores the need to ensure that young people can access essential resources such as education, healthcare, and overall well-being. To support the elimination of these challenges, it is crucial to provide the youth with the right tools and opportunities.
On this day, numerous events, including concerts, workshops, and cultural activities, will be held to engage communities and empower young individuals. It is an excellent opportunity to participate in the efforts to address the issues affecting the youth. Look for events happening in your local area and get involved!
International Youth Day recognizes the valuable role that young people play in education, community development, environmental preservation, and participation in various social projects. It emphasizes the significance of their contributions to society and their potential to shape a better future.
One such platform that contributes to empowering the youth is Scholaroo, a centralized resource for scholarships from around the world, providing support to young individuals pursuing their educational aspirations.
As we celebrate International Youth Day on August 12, let us unite in solidarity to create a world where all young people can thrive, and their potential is nurtured, leading to a brighter and more promising tomorrow.
WHEN IS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2023?
International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, serves as a poignant reminder that our youthful and carefree days are fleeting. Regrettably, countless young individuals across the globe encounter various challenges and obstacles, limiting their access to vital resources that can shape a brighter future. It is on this day that we come together to recognize and address the issues faced by the youth and strive to create a world where all young people have the opportunities they deserve. Let us unite in solidarity and take action on this significant occasion to empower the youth and build a more inclusive and promising tomorrow.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY
The history of International Youth Day dates back to 1965 when the United Nations General Assembly embarked on a concerted effort to empower and impact the youth. They endorsed the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect, and Understanding between Peoples, demonstrating their commitment to recognizing and supporting the emerging leaders of the world.
On December 17, 1999, the UN General Assembly furthered this commitment by endorsing the recommendation from the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, leading to the establishment of International Youth Day. Since its inception on August 12, 2000, this day has been dedicated to educating society, mobilizing youth in politics, and directing resources toward addressing global issues.
Throughout the years, International Youth Day has been marked by significant events and gatherings. Notable examples include the 2013 International Youth Conference hosted by YOUTHINK, featuring influential speakers and an awards ceremony. More recent events, such as those organized by the Indian Youth Cafe in Chennai, have continued to amplify the voices of young people. Each year, the day’s theme highlights crucial aspects of youth engagement and societal concerns. For instance, in 2019, the theme “transforming education” underscored the importance of reimagining and improving educational systems.
In 2020, the theme for International Youth Day was “Youth Engagement for Global Action.” This theme emphasized the vital role of young people in national and international decision-making processes, recognizing their contributions in complementing institutional efforts and driving positive change. Additionally, it sought to explore ways to enhance youth involvement in institutional politics.
Overall, International Youth Day remains a powerful platform for empowering the youth, encouraging their active participation in shaping a better world and drawing attention to the significance of their involvement in various spheres of society.
TRADITIONS OF THE DAY
International Youth Day serves as a vital platform for amplifying the voices of young individuals worldwide. It fosters engagement among the youth and encourages proactive initiatives and actions to expand opportunities for them.
The challenges and barriers to prosperity faced by young people vary significantly depending on their geographical location. Those in developed and developing countries may confront mental and social issues, while their counterparts in underdeveloped regions grapple with more fundamental challenges related to education, health, and employment opportunities.
On this day, communities, institutions, and governments come together to address these pressing issues. A wide range of activities such as seminars, training sessions, debates, and discussion forums are organized, featuring influential figures as key speakers. Fundraisers are held to support youth-focused initiatives, and educational materials are distributed to inform and raise awareness.
Through these discussions and activities, a deeper understanding of the hurdles hindering youth development is gained. This knowledge then paves the way for implementing policy changes that can better support and empower the youth, regardless of their circumstances. International Youth Day serves as a catalyst for positive change, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for young people to thrive and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
By the Numbers:
International Youth Day holds significant importance as it sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by the world’s youth. Here are some key facts and reasons why we cherish this day:
- The ‘youth’ category comprises individuals aged 15 to 24, representing approximately one-sixth of the global population.
- International Youth Day was first proposed in 1991, dedicating an annual observance to empower and support young people.
- A concerning 77% of youth are informally employed, emphasizing the need for better job opportunities and formal structures.
- Gender disparity persists, with a 4% gap in literacy rates between males and females.
- Mental health problems affect around 20% of young individuals annually, highlighting the need for addressing their well-being.
- Approximately 152 million young workers live in households below the poverty line, underscoring the harsh realities faced by many youth and their families.
- In developing countries, two-thirds of the youth population encounters obstacles in fulfilling their economic potential.
- Around 126 million youth lacked basic reading and writing skills in 2011, emphasizing the importance of improving educational access and quality.
- Only 23 African countries had implemented a national strategy on financial literacy, indicating the need for enhanced financial education among the youth.
How to Celebrate International Youth Day:
- Participate in events showcasing the talents of young individuals, such as concerts, sporting events, parades, or exhibitions.
- Engage in mentorship programs and initiatives that support the growth and development of young people.
- Promote education by supporting educational initiatives and volunteering as a tutor.
- Organize intergenerational discussions to foster open dialogue between adults and young individuals.
- Encourage youth engagement and empower them to take on leadership roles in their communities.
- Raise awareness about youth issues through social media and other platforms.
- Advocate for youth-friendly policies and programs that prioritize their needs and rights.
Five Facts About International Youth Day:
- The World Health Organization is working on global health standards for schools to prioritize youth well-being.
- In the United States, 16 million children struggle with hunger annually, highlighting food insecurity among youth.
- It is recommended for children and adolescents to engage in an hour or more of physical activity daily for their overall health.
- Youth Ambassador Mohammed Assaf uses his music to inspire hope among young Palestine refugees.
- Young entrepreneur Rita Kimani founded FarmDrive to help smallholder farmers access credit, promoting economic empowerment.
Why We Love International Youth Day:
- It sets priorities to improve children’s lives, combat poverty, and increase access to education.
- It raises awareness about child poverty and food insecurity, encouraging collective efforts to find solutions.
- It inspires creative thinking and innovative approaches to make a difference in children’s lives.
- It fosters a sense of global community and encourages collaborative efforts to uplift the youth.
- It celebrates young people as agents of positive change, empowering them to shape a more inclusive and sustainable world.
International Youth Day Dates:
- 2023: August 12, Saturday
- 2024: August 12, Monday
- 2025: August 12, Tuesday
- 2026: August 12, Wednesday
- 2027: August 12, Thursday
International Youth Day is observed on August 12th each year, providing a dedicated occasion to raise awareness about the challenges faced by young people and to promote their empowerment and participation in shaping a better future.