Celebrate Progress With International Youth Day

• Written by Jyotsana Shekhawat

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Every year, International Youth Day is observed worldwide on August 12 to recognise the passion and potential of young people. With thousands of youth-led initiatives worldwide, this day acts more than just for observance; It reminds the world of the power of the youth to reshape society, for better. Youth is the backbone of any flourishing society. They bring tech-saviness, bold ideas, and a relentless drive to the table, nudging us all to take a stand for justice and sustainability. In 2025, the occasion nudges us all to dig deeper into the value of young minds, with the International Youth Day theme being: “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” It is a strong call that invites community-driven contribution toward the Sustainable Development Goals (we will read more into it below).

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

International Youth Day is a global commitment which underscores the endless potential of today’s youth, in addition to the challenges they face. This day serves as a reminder to take a stand for unity and fight back a range of societal, personal, or career-related roadblocks. It is the perfect time to create a space where we all encourage young leadership to contribute to a sustainable future.

Here is a roundup of key reasons why this day is important:

• It draws society’s attention to various lingering topics, including mental health, climate action, and digital developments. 
• The day highlights meaningful dialogues, debunks myths, and inspires people to make changes for the betterment of the public
• It nudges everyone to reflect on the capability of the global youth to make an impact in leadership, creativity, and several trends.
• It provides a platform to the youth to exchange ideas, experiences, and common solutions without any hesitation.The day also motivates young people 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.

International Youth Day 2025 Theme

The official International Youth Day 2025 theme is “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” This theme highlights the grassroots contributions of young people toward achieving the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which include goals like combating poverty, promoting quality education, and addressing climate change.

The theme empowers young minds to act locally while thinking globally, emphasising the more access to education in rural India, promoting gender equality in urban communities, and more. This does not mean youth contribution is limited to SDG. If anything, it is young people with the greatest potential to pioneer change in areas of innovation, digital governance, and post-2030 sustainable visions. In short, the theme of International Youth Day 2025 is a call to acknowledge young leadership in building a better, more inclusive world.

Meaningful Ways to Celebrate International Youth Day

Want to do your part this International Youth Day? Here is a list of the impactful ways to make a difference:

Organise a Youth-led SDG Event: This is one of the engaging ways to celebrate International Youth Day 2025. You can host workshops or panel discussions where young people share local projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Encourage the youth to come forward, speak, and take a lead to inspire others in the community.

Volunteer for a Cause: Another way to make the most of this day is to engage in local volunteering activities. It could be for environmental cleanups, community health drives, or education support. This approach is easy, direct, and quite impactful when it comes to youth action for sustainable development.

Launch a Social Media Campaign: It is now easier to connect with wider audiences and communities than ever, all thanks to the social media channels. You can run a campaign on the occasion of international youth awareness day using hashtags like #Youth4SDGs, #YouthDay2025, or #YouthDayIndia to amplify youth voices and spread factual information about the theme, importance, and other aspects of the day.

Conduct a Career-Related Workshop: Help young people bridge the skills gap by offering free training sessions on entrepreneurship, digital skills, communication, use of technology, and more.

Plant Trees or Start a Green Movement: Organize an eco-friendly activity like a tree plantation drive, sustainable farming session, or climate awareness rally. It aligns directly with SDG 13: Climate Action, one of the 17 goals which implies taking steps to address the impact of climate change.

Host a Youth Art or Poetry Exhibition: Creative expression empowers youth to voice their opinions on various issues. Make the most of International Youth Day 2025 by hosting an arts event for youth. Encourage them to engage in music, art, or spoken word centered around social topics and sustainability.

Be a Mentor to the Young People: Even if it’s just for a day, you can take out time to coach young people, like students or early career professionals, in many ways. Guide them through digital trends or engage them in thought-provoking conversations about societal issues. Motivate them to combat real-world challenges and become the leaders we all need.

Celebrate Youth Achievements: While it seems pretty straightforward and basic, shedding light on the achievements of youth can make a difference (even if it’s quiet). Highlight success stories of young leaders and innovators in your community or school. This will only motivate others but create role models for the next generation.

Wrapping Up!

International Youth Day acts as a global platform for the young generation to recognise and address various challenges they face, be it career-related, financial, or health. The International Youth Day 2025 theme draws the attention towards societal issues, like education, climate, and poverty, that have been lingering for a long time now. It encourages us all to do our part and ensure a brighter future for them.

We can host career counselling, organise health events, bring artists together, and raise awareness about topics that may seem trivial at a glance, like health insurance. It is the young age which is most ideal for investing in the best health insurance plans. The plans by Care Health insurance offer comprehensive solutions, including treatments and services. If chosen smartly and in pace with personal needs, today’s youth can make the most of health insurance to secure their future and the one of their loved ones financially.

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

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. Health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. See policy documents for details.