Rockin' the Future: International Youth Day's All About Tackling Global Challenges
Global Young People's Day - August 12th, 2024 Celebration
Summon the spirit of the youth, my friends! August 12 is International Youth Day, a date meant to pinpoint the hurdles young folks face worldwide and, more importantly, to celebrate their badassery. Ranging from reading difficulties and poverty in many places, to grinding issues like poor mental health and societal pressure, International Youth Day is a day to ponder upon and take action.
Expect concerts, workshops, and cultural events aplenty, as these jamborees showcase the strength and resilience of our young warriors. But we follow the digital age, so boot up your devices and tune in to the Internet to catch a global live stream if you can't edit your attendance locally.
This day honors youths, recognizing their valuable contributions in education, community work, environmental efforts, and volunteering. Ever heard of Scholaroo? It's an exceptional platform that brings together scholarships from around the world to equip our young 'uns with the resources they need to flourish.
International Youth Day is a UN-organized bash, having set sail in the year 2000 to shine a spotlight on young people's invaluable contributions to society. To better comprehend the challenges oppressing our youth population, local, institutional, and government conversations dwelling on the issues take place during the day. In these chats, seminars, training sessions, and debates, important squad members (not just the youth) convene to dissect the problems at hand, devising functional solutions to better the future for our children.
Let's journey through the timeline of International Youth Day:
2024
The Chronicles of International Youth Day
August 12
The story of International Youth Day's acceptance started in 1999. The UN General Assembly put a stamp of approval on the recommendation proposed by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, subsequently christening August 12 as International Youth Day. Since its inception, numerous high-profile events have been held, like the 2013 International Youth Conference hosted by YOUTHINK and featuring illustrious orators, and the 2019 event managed by the Indian Youth Cafe in Chennai with the theme, "transforming education."
Monday
Global Goals for a Better Tomorrow
15 to 24-year-olds comprise a staggering one-sixth of our global population. Yet, their potential isn't being fully actualized in developing countries. According to the stats, 77% of the youth population is informally employed, and 4% of women are less literate than men. Moreover, a whopping 20% of youngsters experience mental health issues each year. That's not all! 152 million youth workers live in poverty, and only a third of them are fulfilling their economic potential.
2025
Join the Youth Revolution
August 12
Ever imagined yourself as a dignitary at an International Youth Day event or a mentor enlightening the youth of tomorrow? Time to seize those dreams! Here's your nifty guide to celebrating International Youth Day in style:
Tuesday
- Mark your calendar and attend an event in your neighborhood. You'll witness some top-notch talent and be wowed by the entertainment.
- Volunteer in a mentoring program and share your wisdom with the young minds of tomorrow. Programs like Big Brother and Big Sister, music lessons, and speech therapy sessions could use your helping hand.2026
- Engage in intergenerational discussions with the adults and youngsters in your life. Whether it's a roundtable between parents and children or students and teachers, these talks offer a chance to address pressing concerns and enhance understanding.August 12
Fascinating Facts and Figures on International Youth Day (Just Because You Love Trivia)
Wednesday
- The World Health Organization is collaborating on global standards for health in schools.
- Approximately 16 million children in the US struggle with hunger each year.2027
- Children and adolescents should attempt for at least an hour of physical activity each day.August 12
- Mohammed Assaf, a Palestinian refugee, utilizes his music to spread optimistic messages to young Palestinian refugees.Thursday
- Rita Kimani, a 25-year-old Kenyan, co-founded FarmDrive, serving unbanked and under-served smallholder farmers by facilitating credit access.
Let's KickASS for a Future Worth Living
2028
Celebrating International Youth Day isn't merely about encouraging youth – it's about setting specific goals and working diligently towards improving the lives of children. The UN has identified 15 key areas for priority, including cutting HIV/AIDS cases, eliminating childhood hunger, and increasing access to education. These goals demonstrate the day's commitment to creating a better world for future generations.
August 12
The day also spotlights hunger issues, as many kids go to bed hungry or skip that essential morning meal, potentially affecting their focus in school. In the U.S alone, 13.1 million kids dwell in food-insecure homes, meaning they and their families can't afford nutritious food for a healthy lifestyle.
Saturday
Lastly, International Youth Day evokes creative thinking and an innovative approach to ensuring a better future. Recent UN documents have emphasized pollution reduction, sustainable utilization of local products and services, and enabling communities to access essential resources. As we delve into the thematic priorities set by the UN, let's embark on a transformative journey to better the world for our kids.
International Youth Day Dates to Savor
August 12 is the date we celebrate the spirit of our youngsters in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 – and every subsequent year. Mark these dates in your planners to keep the spirit of change and progress alive.
- International Youth Day honors young individuals, recognizing their contributions in areas such as education, community work, environmental efforts, and volunteering.
- The UN-organized International Youth Day, inaugurated in 2000, shines a light on the challenges faced by the youth population and fosters conversations aimed at devising functional solutions.
- Joining the celebrations of International Youth Day can take various forms, including attending local events, volunteering in mentorship programs, and engaging in intergenerational discussions.
- According to statistics, a significant portion of the youth population in developing countries remains informally employed, experiences high levels of mental health issues, and lives in poverty.
- This day also spotlights global hunger issues, with many children going to bed hungry or skipping essential meals that could impact their focus in school.
- The UN has identified key areas for priority on International Youth Day, including cutting HIV/AIDS cases, eliminating childhood hunger, and increasing access to education, demonstrating a commitment to creating a better world for future generations.
