International Youth Day: Know history, significance and more

The youth of a nation is the carrier of its future, the rays that reach far and brighten the remotest corners of its boundaries. Countries across the globe have been focusing their policies and funds on bringing up a talented and stable youth, and this is because of the attention that this section of the population has garnered in recent years.

International Youth Day , celebrated annually on August 12, is a day that brings into the spotlight the issues related to youth that need international attention and celebrates the potential of the young achievers as partners of the global society.

Here's all you need to know about the day!

International Youth Day: History


The idea for International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 by young participants of the first session of the World Youth Forum of the United Nations System held in Vienna, Austria. The forum recommended the creation of an International Youth Day for fundraising and promotional purposes to support the United Nations Youth Fund in partnership with youth organisations.

In 1998, a resolution announcing August 12th as International Youth Day was adopted by the first session of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, hosted by the Government of Portugal in cooperation with the United Nations.

Now, the day serves as a reminder to re-centre focus on your youth, keeping in mind the policies and funds that shape them and their future.

International Youth Day: Significance


International Youth Day is an annual day that serves as a global platform to highlight all youth-related issues and to celebrate their role in society.

Each year, a unique theme is decided for the day, such as "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable Future" in 2023, and "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development" in 2024.

The day allows countries to focus on this budding population and bring to the spotlight any problems they are facing or help they need in relation to their youth, alongside appreciating the work they put into taking the society further each step of the day.

International Youth Day: What's the theme for 2025?


The theme for this year's International Youth Day is Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond. With over 65% of Sustainable Development Goals targets being linked to local governance, the theme highlights the importance of youth engagement in achieving these targets with participation in local planning and decision-making.

International Youth Day 2025 is also special as it coincides with the upcoming 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth.