Updated March 24, 2023
What is Youth Day?
Youth is the future generation and pillar of our world. If their mental peace is stable, then the world is stable. But the ongoing truth is far away from the ideal scenario. Multiple issues surround today’s youth, and drawing attention to them is exactly the aim of International Youth Day 2023. The event is celebrated on 12th August every year and is focused on throwing awareness on a few barriers. They include legal issues, ageism, inter-generational solidarity, and other cultural problems.
The United Nations General Assembly decided upon a resolution to commence Youth Day in 1999. This was done because of the recommendation by the ministers of the World Conference who were responsible for the youth in Lisbon. After that, the first International Youth Day was celebrated in 2000.
Significance of International Youth Day
International Youth Day 2023 will be celebrated throughout the world to recognize the importance of young men and women and how they are bringing a transformation in solving global problems. The young generation is also focused on sustainable development. So, International Youth Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of all the difficulties and challenges faced by today’s youth.
On International Youth Day 2023, people worldwide conduct conferences, workshops, seminars, meetings, cultural events, and concerts. The officials of the local and national governments also attend these events.
Past Themes
The theme for every year’s Youth Day is different. It depends on what the youth faces exactly the current problem. For instance, last year, the theme was “Inter-generational Solidarity” and focused on creating a world for every age group. In 2021, “Transforming Food System” and in 2020, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” was the theme. In 2019, the aim was shifted to “Transforming Education.” This helped highlight that more efforts must be put in, so the entire youth population is educated.
In 2018, the theme was “Safe Spaces for Youth,” and it was initiated to create a safe space for the generation to talk about its emotions. In 2017, the theme was “Youth Building Peace,” and in 2016, it was “Youth Leading Sustainability.” International Youth Day 2023 focuses on youth’s right to healthcare, education, participation in public events, monetary services, and employment. It celebrates all the activists and youth volunteers working to bring positive societal change. The world sees this young generation as a catalyst for inculcating prosperity and peace. This isn’t only important at the global platform but in the local community as well.
What everyone needs to realize is that the youth generation of today is going to be the biggest part of history. That’s because over three billion people fall under the age group of 30 today, making up approximately half of the population around the world. So, they can contribute to the upliftment of society more than anyone else.
But the scenario of today is unfavorable. The youth is deprived of basic facilities like food, education, and money. This acts as a roadblock in their growth. So, to secure the future of the young generation, it is important to take the necessary steps today. That’s why Youth Day is celebrated every year to spread awareness worldwide.
How to Contribute to International Youth Day 2023?
On this occasion, several events are organized on a global platform. You can volunteer and be a part of this change. It is beneficial not only for you but the future generation as well. The day is all yours, and this is how you can celebrate it
- Write a letter to the Youth Minister and inform him/her about the challenges faced by today’s generation. It would help put light on the current problems.
- Organize a virtual or live event and promote International Youth Day 2023. Bring people from all over the place and indulge in the discussion.
- Create a youth forum where you can discuss ideas and find solutions. This would also instill a feeling of inclusivity among everyone.
- Organize an exhibition to showcase the problems of today. This can be done through various art forms.
