International Youth Day

International Youth Day is a special day proclaimed by the United Nations to encourage meaningful participation of young people in social processes and decision-making mechanisms by highlighting their ideas, actions, and initiatives. It is observed annually on 12 August worldwide.

International Youth Day was officially proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly through Resolution 54/120 on 17 December 1999. This resolution supports the recommendation of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, held in Lisbon from 8 to 12 August 1998. As a result, 12 August is observed globally each year as International Youth Day. Prior to this, in 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 50/81 on the World Programme of Action for Youth, which recommended organizing public awareness activities to support the observance of this day.

The primary purpose of International Youth Day is to highlight the ideas, actions, and initiatives of young people and to promote their meaningful and equitable participation in social processes and decision-making mechanisms. This day serves as an important tool to make visible the contributions of young people at global, national, and local levels and to draw attention to their rights to representation and participation.

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 recognizes the urgent need for young peacebuilders to play active roles in promoting peace and preventing radicalization, and positions young people as key partners in global peace and security efforts.

International Youth Day has been observed over the years under various themes. For example, the theme for 2020 was “Youth Engagement for Global Action,” aiming to foreground the ways in which young people can actively participate in local, national, and international processes. Within this framework, efforts were directed at strengthening national and multilateral institutions for youth participation and increasing the inclusion of young people in representative and policy-making bodies. In the context of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, during a period when trust in international governance systems and public institutions has eroded, International Youth Day has become an important platform encouraging young people to develop collective and effective solutions to global challenges.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 emphasizes the need for young people to assume significant roles in peacebuilding, peace promotion, and preventing radicalization. The resolution positions young people as active partners in global peace and security initiatives and underscores the importance of their participation in decision-making processes.

International Youth Day stands out as a platform supporting the United Nations’ efforts to enhance youth participation. During periods when trust in the UN’s governance systems and public institutions is being tested, this day encourages young people to generate collective and effective solutions to global issues.