International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations, the purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth.

IYD is observed annually on August 12. It is meant as an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. During IYD, concerts, workshops, cultural events, and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organizations take place around the world. The World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth adopted a resolution to proclaim August 12 as International Youth Day at its first session in Lisbon, Portugal, from 8 to 12 August 1998. The recommendation was later endorsed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 17, 1999, with the adoption of Resolution 54/120.

2024 IYD Theme: ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development‘. Digitalization is transforming our world, offering unprecedented opportunities to accelerate sustainable development. Digital technologies such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data generated from digital interactions supports evidence-based decision-making. With profound impact across economic, social and environmental dimensions, digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70 per cent of the 169 SDG targets while potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion. Young people are leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation, with three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022, a rate higher than other age groups. However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income countries and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male counterparts. While there is an urgent need to enhance digital inclusion, youth are largely recognized as “digital natives,” using technology to drive change and create solutions. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues. By celebrating the digital contributions of youth, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development.

Links:
World Youth Day