International Youth Day is a special day designated by the United Nations (UN), celebrated annually on August 12 worldwide, aiming to highlight the ideas, actions, and initiatives of young people and to encourage their meaningful participation in societal processes and decision-making mechanisms.

History

International Youth Day was officially declared by the UN General Assembly through Resolution 54/120 on December 17, 1999.^【1】 This decision supports the recommendation of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, held in Lisbon from August 8–12, 1998. Accordingly, August 12 is observed annually as International Youth Day. Earlier, in 1996, the UN General Assembly had adopted the World Programme of Action for Youth (Resolution 50/81), which recommended organizing awareness-raising activities to support this day.

Purpose and Significance

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

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

Themes and Practices

International Youth Day has been celebrated under various themes over the years. For example, the theme for 2020 was “Youth Engagement for Global Action,” aiming to highlight the ways young people can actively participate in local, national, and international processes. This included strengthening national and multilateral institutions in terms of youth participation and increasing youth representation in institutional policy bodies. On the occasion of the UN’s 75th anniversary, amid waning trust in international governance systems and public institutions, International Youth Day serves as a platform encouraging youth to develop collective and effective solutions to global challenges.

Role in the International System

UN Security Council Resolution 2250 emphasizes that young people must play significant roles in peacebuilding, promoting peace, and preventing radicalization. The resolution positions youth as active partners in global peace and security efforts and underscores the importance of their participation in decision-making processes.

International Youth Day functions as a platform supporting the UN’s efforts to enhance youth participation. Especially during periods when trust in governance systems and public institutions is tested, this day encourages young people to collaboratively and effectively address global issues.