International Youth Day 2024: Overview, Background, and Importance

Every year, the world observes International Youth Day to honor and recognize the contributions made by youth to society. It also draws attention to the problems and difficulties that young people around the world face. Every year on August 12th, people celebrate this day. Globally, International Youth Day has made a big difference in advancing the rights and welfare of youth. It has aided in elevating youth-related concerns to the top of the international agenda and sparked the creation of laws and initiatives to deal with them. Furthermore, it has given young people the confidence to actively participate in determining both their own and their communities' destiny.

Feature

This year's International Youth Day theme is "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development." Our world is changing due to digitalization, which is offering previously unheard-of chances to accelerate sustainable growth. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are greatly advanced by technologies like as digital services, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence. Evidence-based decision-making is supported by the data produced by digital interactions.

History

In 1998, during the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon, Portugal, the concept for International Youth Day was initially presented. This recommendation was approved by the UN General Assembly, which on December 17, 1999, established August 12th as International Youth Day by Resolution 54/120.

On August 12, 2000, the inaugural International Youth Day was observed. Since then, it has been commemorated yearly with a range of activities and events meant to address youth-related concerns and encourage youth participation in diverse facets of society.