Celebrate Progress With International Youth Day

International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12 to recognise the qualities of young people and address the challenges that they face. The UN organised International Youth Day for the first time in 2000 to commemorate the contributions of youth in employment, education, social justice, etc. The contribution of the community's younger members has had a positive impact across several domains, from driving community progress to pioneering environmental preservation. 

Further, this day also sheds light on the challenges faced by the youth worldwide. Many children still do not have access to primary education, struggle with hunger, and deal with the grips of poverty, thereby hampering their overall growth.  Concerning this, ensuring the youth has a prosperous future depends on affirmative action. Keep reading to learn more about International Youth Day, its history, theme, and how you can play a part.

History of International Youth Day

In 1965, the United Nations General Assembly started concerted efforts to introduce initiatives focusing on young people. One of the significant steps the UN took was the endorsement of the “Declaration on the Advancement of Peace, Mutual Respect, and Intercultural Understanding among Youth”. They began dedicating resources and efforts for youth empowerment by recognising rising leaders and providing them the tools to tackle global issues. 

December 17, 1999, marked the crucial day when the UN General Assembly formally accepted the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth recommendation.

This was the advent of International Youth Day. The first celebration took place on August 12, 2000, and since then, the day has been used to promote education, provide youth opportunities in politics, and devise resource management tactics to address global challenges.

Importance of International Youth Day

This day is observed as a global commitment to highlight the endless potential and myriad of challenges the youth face. It serves as a reminder of the unity needed to overcome these challenges, creating a world where youth leadership is encouraged to contribute significantly to a sustainable future. Some other reasons why this day is essential are as follows:

• It draws the public’s attention to issues such as youth and mental health, youth and climate action, and youth and digital development.
• The day fosters dialogues, eliminates myths, and inspires people to make positive changes.
• It highlights the capability of the global youth in terms of leadership, creativity, and innovation.
• It provides a platform for freely exchanging ideas, experiences, and common solutions.
• The youth are motivated to advocate for their rights, take control of their future, and play an active role in decision-making.
• It facilitates cooperation and exchange of ideas among youth from different backgrounds.

Did You Know? Half the world population is 30 or lower. This number is expected to hit 57% by 2030.

What is the International Youth Day 2024 Theme?

The theme for International Youth Day 2024 is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”  This powerful theme for youth development establishes the crucial relationship between digitisation and the progress of sustainable development goals. 

Modern technologies like artificial intelligence, mobile devices, and digital platforms play a major role in promoting sustainable development goals. The data obtained from digital interactions is a catalyst for data-driven decision-making, which is crucial for digital transformation. 

While the digital divide challenge is still prevalent, the global youth are still considered digital natives. They are at the forefront of embracing and changing positively with new technology. Young people make up the primary demographic, sharing digital trends worldwide. With further developments in technology, the youth have established themselves as the main demographic section to utilise technology's transformative capability to tackle global challenges.

How to Celebrate International Youth Day?

International Youth Day acts as an opportunity for youth to express their thoughts and opinions.  Given below are some of the ways that you can show your support and celebrate this day:

Attend Youth Camps

You can show appreciation and support by attending an International Youth Day event. These events usually have concerts, parades, sporting events, mobile exhibitions, etc., that highlight the achievements of the youth population.

Play Your Part

Education is the most valuable thing we can offer the younger generation. Consider mentorship programs and look into how you can impart knowledge and skills. There are several big brother/sister programs, music programs, and assisted speech therapy programs that you can consider.

Participate in Intergenerational Discussions

You can engage in forums and discussions between adults and the youth population. Try to come up with topics related to the year's theme, and pay attention to the thoughts and ideas of the young generation.

Wrapping Up!

International Youth Day acts as a global platform to recognise youth's potential and daily challenges. The International Youth Day 2024 theme focuses on utilising technological developments for innovation and meeting sustainable development goals. By having a thorough understanding of the history, importance, and theme of this day, we can play our part in empowering youth leadership and ensuring a brighter future. Whether through attending events, engaging in debates, or mentoring young people, let’s all play our part to support the leaders of tomorrow!

>> Also Read: Navigating the Basics of Care Plus Youth Health Insurance

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.

Reference: https://www.business-standard.com/about/when-is-international-youth-day