PURPOSE: International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society. The idea for International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 by the young people who were gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the World Youth Forum of the United Nations System. The Forum recommended that an International Youth Day be declared, especially for fund-raising and promotional purposes, to support the United Nations Youth Fund in partnership with youth organizations.
FORUM: “Youth Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development." International Youth Day 2024. 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% 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. The Youth Unit Programme encourages youth around the world to organize activities to raise awareness about the situation of youth in their country. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #12August, #InternationalYouthDay, #Youthday, #Greenskills.
EVENTS: On August 12th at 9:00 (EST) from the UNHQ, New York; The Virtual celebration of the International Youth Day 2024 will be held. This year, the theme is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” focusing on how young people drive digital technologies to advance progress toward achieving the SDGs. For this occasion, the UN DESA is partnering with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN-Habitat and the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The official commemoration will take the form of a series of digital products, including case study infographics showcasing youth digital solutions for SDG acceleration. By celebrating the digital contributions of youth, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development. The theme highlights the key connection between digitalization and accelerating SDG progress, emphasizing the pivotal role of young people in this transformative process. Specifically, it aims to: 1. Explore the instrumental role of technologies and data in accelerating efforts towards achieving SDGs, including the role of young people in advancing digital transition. 2. Showcase diverse youth-led and focused digital solutions and innovations at the global and national levels that contribute to sustainable development. 3. Provide a knowledge base for stakeholders, such as youth, civil society, and national governments as well as relevant UN agencies, to access data and insights on the topics. Read the concept note!
To commemorate the day, the Department of Economic and Social affairs (DESA) will organize a global webinar in collaboration with the United Nations Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth at International Labour Organization and Generation Unlimited to in celebrate the innovative digital solution by and for youth and their contributions to a sustainable future.
The International Youth Day 2024 marks a significant occasion for youth empowerment and global collaboration. This year's theme, "Empowering Young Persons for Peace and Security," aligns with the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda, reflecting on a decade of progress since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015). This landmark resolution identifies five key pillars for action: participation, protection, prevention, partnerships, and disengagement and reintegration. At the pivotal juncture of the 2024 Summit of the Future and the implementation of the New Agenda for Peace, this event aims to take stock of the progress made in the implementation of the YPS agenda and identify challenges and gaps for its full institutionalization. Watch the livestream!
Open Call for Entry: Seize the opportunity to have your youth digital initiatives featured in the official UN International Youth Day 2024 product! Submit your innovative projects and contribute to showcasing the impactful role of young people in driving digital solutions for sustainable development; We invite you to submit your youth-led or youth-focused digital solutions that address the SDGs. Selected initiatives will be featured in the UN's official International Youth Day 2024 case study infographics and shared across UN communication channels.
Digital: The initiative must leverage digital technology in its implementation, promoting digital access and inclusion. Youth-Focus: The initiative should be led by youth and/or engage young people in its implementation process or outcomes. SDG Alignment: The initiative must address one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals. Impact: The initiative should demonstrate a measurable impact, showcasing positive results. Innovation: The initiative should present an innovative approach, highlighting unique solutions or methods.
We look forward to your entries! Your contributions are invaluable in showcasing the powerful role of young people in driving digital solutions for sustainable development in diverse contexts.
STATEMENTS:
PODCASTS: Despite this lack of research, young people continue to report age-related barriers in various spheres of their lives such as employment, political participation, health and justice. On an individual level, these age-related obstacles can deeply impact wellbeing and livelihoods not only during the youth years, but also in adulthood. On a societal level, ageism prevents us from thinking and designing policies and social services that adopt a life-course approach and are fair for all ages. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Join the campaign to highlight the transformative potential of youth-driven digital solutions in advancing sustainable development. For those interested in organizing activities to celebrate 2024 IYD, logos in all 6 UN languages, both with and without the United Nations name are available here. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
PARTNERSHIPS
In 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day is commemorated. The Focal Point on Youth selects a theme for the day often with input from youth organizations and members of the UN Inter-Agency Network in Youth development. It also organizes a virtual commemoration of the Day. The Programme encourages youth around the world to organize activities to raise awareness about the situation of youth in their country.
Challenge yourself with the quizzes!
Take these International Youth Day 2024 quizzes to test your knowledge on topics concerning youth and digital innovation! The goal of these quizzes is to help highlight some of the challenges and opportunities youth are experiencing and leading to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs through digital technologies. In honour of International Youth Day 2024, we invite you to join us in learning more about Youth and Internet Usage, Digital Divides, Space and the SDGs, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an enabler for the SDGs.
Intergenerational activities can also lead to a greater sense of social connectedness and strengthen intergenerational solidarity. Fostering intergenerational solidarity between generations is more than ever necessary to ensure an inclusive and sustainable recovery.
The Assembly recommended that public information activities be organized to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth, adopted by the General Assembly in 1995 (resolution 50/81).
The International Youth Day is hosted by the United Nations Youth; The Department of Global Communications; The UN Women; The UNICEF; The International Labour Organization (ILO); The World Bank Group; The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); The U.N. Youth Assembly; the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD); The World Health Organization (WHO); The UNESCO;The World Youth Organization; The United Nations Volunteers programme; The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS); The UN Youth New Zeand The UN Youth Australia;The World Alliance of YMCAs; The Civil society Organizations and Non-Governmental organizations.