Showing posts with label August 12. Show all posts
Showing posts with label August 12. Show all posts

Friday, 11 August 2023

International Youth Day 2023; August 12th.



FORUM: "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World." International Youth Day 2023.

Today, the world is embarking on a green transition. The shift towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly world is critical not only for responding to the global climate crisis but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A successful transition towards a greener world will depend on the development of green skills in the population. Green skills are “knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society”. These include technical knowledge and skills that enable the effective use of green technologies and processes in occupational settings, as well as transversal skills that draw on a range of knowledge, values and attitudes to facilitate environmentally sustainable decisions in work and in life. Due to their interdisciplinary nature, the essence of green skills is sometimes expressed, partly if not wholly, through other associated terms such as “skills for the future” and “skills for green jobs”. While green skills are relevant for people of all ages, they have heightened importance for younger people, who can contribute to the green transition for a longer period of time. The Programme encourages youth around the world to organize activities to raise awareness about the situation of youth in their country. What do we know about green skills for youth?

Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #12August, #InternationalYouthDay, #Greenskills4youth, #Youthday, #Greenskills.

Every year, International Youth Day celebrates the determination, ideas and leadership of young people as we pursue a better world. Across all of today’s challenges, young people are calling for bold and accelerated action, standing in solidarity with the most vulnerable, and designing solutions to ensure social, economic and climate justice, and peace and prosperity for all. To expand their participation, I recently launched a policy brief calling for governments to make youth participation the norm, rather than the exception, across decisions and policies around the world. This year’s theme reminds us of the importance of ensuring young people gain and apply skills in the burgeoning green economy. From innovative sustainable technologies and renewable energy, to revolutions in transportation systems and industrial activity, young people must be equipped with skills and knowledge to shape a cleaner, greener, more climate resilient future. Humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contributions of youth everywhere. Today and every day, let’s support and stand with young people in shaping a just and sustainable world, for people and planet.

Antonio Guterres.
 


OTHER STATEMENTS:


Date: Sat, Aug 12 2023 | International Day
Location: Online, UN Headquarters, New York.

For the official commemoration of International Youth Day 2023, DESA organizes a global webinar in collaboration with the UN Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth at International Labour Organization and Generation Unlimited. The webinar offers critical information and data and will promote discussions and an exchange of ideas on green skills for youth. It features perspectives from international organizations, national governments and young experts working in this area. Knowledge products were developed to support and encourage stakeholders to celebrate International Youth Day 2023 in their various contexts and roles (see below). Please find the webinar agenda here.

Download Bios of Speakers







The Permanent Mission of Malta to the United Nations, the Civil Society Unit, the Department of Global communications and AFS Intercultural programs welcome you to this year observance. In celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day, with the theme of Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World, this event will highlight the role of young people in coming together to amplify engagement and leadership in all areas of decision making and action, especially in creating an environmentally sustainable and climate friendly world.



HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
Think about what you can do in you community and how you can effectively spread the message. Make it fun and relatable and use all your channels to spread the message. Think Facebook, Twitter, university newsletters, local newspapers.
  • Educational radio show. Contact popular local/national radio stations to request a slot to have a discussion with distinguished individuals and youth.
  • Organize a (virtual) public meeting or debate to discuss young people’s contributions to global issues.
  • Initiate round table discussions among adults and young people to promote intergenerational understanding.
  • Organize a youth forum to exchange ideas and discuss cultural backgrounds in order to help young people accept others and popularize a culture of non-violence.
  • Organize a (virtual) concert to promote International Youth Day and the launch of the Year. Invite your local musicians and combine it with a panel discussion or invite a politician or policy maker to hold the keynote speech.
  • Create an “info point” about youth-related issues in the center of town/village, at high schools, or at university centers.
  • Organize an exhibition. Get permission to use a public space for an arts exhibit, which showcases the challenges of young people today or how young people are contributing to development. Try to involve young people in the domains of culture, arts and music, to raise awareness on youth-related issues.
  • Write to your Minister of Youth to inform him or her about the challenges young people face in their daily lives and to suggest solutions. A list of Ministers of Youth can be found at www.un.org/youth.

A variety of informational material, such as the logo for the International Year of Youth, will be made available on the International Youth Day Trello board, which will be made public ahead of International Youth Day. If you would like to use the logo for your event, read the guidelines for the logo and fill out the liability waiver form, which will also be made available for download.




For those interested in organizing activities to celebrate 2023 IYD, logos in all 6 United Nations languages, both with and without the United Nations name are available here.

Thursday, 11 August 2022

International Youth Day 2022; August 12th.



FORUM: Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages.” International Youth Day 2022.

This year’s IYD theme brings awareness to the important partnerships across all ages that are needed to advance sustainable democracy. Follow the conversation with thehashtags: #IntergenerationalSolidarity#InternationalYouthDay#youth#12August.



To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world needs to leverage the full potential of all generations. Solidarity across generations is key for sustainable development. We must collaborate to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships to ensure “no one is left behind.” While intergenerational solidarity and concern for future generations is being called for in tackling global issues – with the UN Secretary-General recently putting forward new recommendations on renewed intergenerational solidarity, including in Our Common Agenda – many challenges remain.

Ageism continues to present a significant – yet, not sufficiently discussed – challenge to fostering collaboration and solidarity across age groups. The World Health Organization defines ageism as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed towards others or oneself, based on age”. Ageism is an insidious and often an unaddressed issue in health, human rights and development, and has bearings on both older and younger populations around the world. In addition, ageism regularly intersects with other forms of bias (such as racism and sexism) and impacts people in ways that prevent them to reach their full potential and comprehensively contribute to their community.








Statement by the U.N. Secreatry-General on International Youth Day 2022: August 12th.

Today, we celebrate International Youth Day, and the power of partnerships across generations.

This year’s theme — “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages” — reminds us of a basic truth: we need people of all ages, young and old alike, to join forces to build a better world for all.

Too often, ageism, bias and discrimination prevent this essential collaboration. When young people are shut out of the decisions being made about their lives, or when older people are denied a chance to be heard, we all lose.

Solidarity and collaboration are more essential than ever, as our world faces a series of challenges that threaten our collective future.

From COVID-19 to climate change, to conflicts, poverty, inequality and discrimination, we need all hands on deck to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and build the better, more peaceful future we all seek.

We need to support young people with massive investments in education and skills-building — including through next month’s Transforming Education Summit.

We also need to support gender equality and expanded opportunities for young people to participate in civic and political life.

It’s not enough to listen to young people — we need to integrate them into decision-making mechanisms at the local, national and international levels.

This is at the heart of our proposal to establish a new Youth Office at the United Nations.

And we need to ensure that older generations have access to social protection and opportunities to give back to their communities and share the decades of lived experience they have accumulated.

On this important day, let’s join hands across generations to break down barriers, and work as one to achieve a more equitable, just and inclusive world for all people.

U.N. Secretary-General.

EVENTS

Official Commemoration – Webinar

For International Youth Day 2022, DESA worked with the Major Group on Children and Youth (MGCY) to organize a global webinar for its official commemoration. The webinar features an exchange of views on the topic of intergenerational solidarity, intergenerational equity, future generations, and ageism.


CAMPAIGN: Enhancing the situation of young people around the world. 
Learn more about the International Youth Day and the History of Youth at the UN.

Tuesday, 16 August 2016

International Youth Day 2016, August 12.

Международный день молодежи, 12 августа.
International Youth Day, 12 August.
Día Internacional de la Juventud, 12 de agosto.
Journée internationale de la jeunesse, 12 août.
国际青年日, 8月12日.
 اليوم الدولي للشباب، 12 أغسطس.




Тема 2016 года — На пути к 2030 году: ликвидация нищеты и достижение ответственного потребления и производства.
2016 Theme: The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production.
Tema 2016: El camino hacia 2030: erradicar la pobreza y lograr el consumo y la producción sostenibles
Thème 2016 - La route vers 2030 : Éliminer la pauvreté et parvenir à des modes de consommation et de production durables
2016 年主题: 通往2030年之路:消除贫困,实现可持续消费和生产.





Statement by Ban Ki-moon, U.N. Secretary-General on the occasion of the International Youth Day 2016, August 12th.

The world’s young people – who make up the largest generation of youth in history – can lead a global drive to break the patterns of the past and set the world on course to a more sustainable future. Young people are directly affected by the tragic contradictions that prevail today: between abject poverty and ostentatious wealth, gnawing hunger and shameful food waste, rich natural resources and polluting industries. Youth can deliver solutions on these issues, which lie at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this first year of that15-year plan for a healthier, safer and more just future, we count on the active engagement of the world’s young people to transform the production and consumption of goods and services so they meet the basic needs and aspirations of the world’s poorest people without overburdening already strained ecosystems. Young people are traditionally at the cutting edge, and today’s youth have more information than any previous generation. Their dynamism, creativity and idealism can combine to shape attitudes toward demand and help create more sustainable industries. Youth are already influencing how the world produces, distributes and consumes while driving green entrepreneurship by designing sustainable products and services. As conscious consumers, young people are at the forefront of a shift toward more fair, equitable and sustainable buying patterns. Youth are strong and effective advocates of recycling, reusing and limiting waste, and they are leading technological innovations to foster a resource-efficient economy. When we invest in youth, they can contribute to new markets, decent jobs, fair trade, sustainable housing, sustainable transport and tourism, and more opportunities that benefit the planet and people. I am proud that the United Nations is actively engaged in supporting young leaders who can carry out the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 12 on sustainable consumption and production patterns. I encourage all young people to become involved in advancing the SDGs and demanding action by their Governments. My Youth Envoy is eager to connect you to our campaigns, which are being carried out across the entire United Nations system. On International Youth Day, I urge others to join this global push for progress. Let us empower young people with the resources, backing and space they need to create lasting change in our world.
 
Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General.
 

 
Young people are not only our future -- they are our present. Our planet has never been so young, with 1.8 billion young women and men. They are the most connected, the most outspoken and the most open-minded generation the world has ever seen. They are powerful agents of positive change, essential to taking forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is not enough to hope for a better tomorrow -- we must act now. Change is underway, and millions of citizens are already transforming the way we produce, consume, behave and communicate. Young people, such as our #YouthofUNESCO sustainable consumption advocate, Ms Lauren Singer, show us the way towards a zero-waste life-style, fitting all of her refuse produced over the past four years into one small jar! This is an inspiration for this year’s celebration -- The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Production and Consumption. There are countless initiatives like this, all giving shape to a new humanism, to new forms of solidarity and citizenship to combat poverty, marginalization and despair. Optimism and confidence do not mean we minimize the challenges ahead. Most young people live today in least developed countries, and shoulder the heaviest burden of conflicts and poverty. There can be no sustainable development if they remain on the side-lines, and I call upon all Member States and UNESCO partners to support their initiatives, to give them voice, to let them grow, to shape together the future of dignity that we are building today.
Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General


 
 
Message of the UN Envoy on Youth, Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, on the occasion of the International Youth Day 2016, August 12th.
 
Every year on August 12, we celebrate young people everywhere and the tremendous contributions they make to their communities and the world.
This year, the celebration is even more special given the adoption of the boldest vision for sustainable development in history: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By adopting these Goals, governments made a commitment to combat climate change, end extreme poverty, and reduce inequalities and injustice everywhere. In the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals, the theme of this year’s International Youth Day is “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production.” The math is simple. Half of the world’s population is under 25 years old. Therefore, young people are not just the beneficiaries of the 2030 Agenda, but rather, they hold the key to its success. Young people are making waves in every field from technology, to art, to sports, to food, to science and innovation, and everything in between. They are offering bold and inspiring solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
This is true for all 17 SDGs, and it is certainly true for sustainable consumption and production. Youth are inventing energy efficient technologies for our cars; innovative ways to recycle and dispose of goods; and new ways to preserve our water. Imagine the possibilities if we open up more venues for their participation. At the UN, we are actively working to do so. We are determined to engage them in our work. The UN is increasing and strengthening programs and initiatives focused specifically on youth. The objective is to elevate the role of young people in peacebuilding, development, human rights, and humanitarian work. But if there is one thing I have learned it is that, the more we do, the more we realize how much more should be done. With the talents and innovative spirit of young people, we can pave the way to a world where every individual not only survives, but thrives.
On this International Youth Day, let’s not just celebrate the contributions of young people worldwide, but also commit to invest in their energy and idealism. Let’s unlock this potential. That is our ticket to the future we want and the future we deserve.
 
Ahmad Alhendawi, United Nations Envoy on Youth.
 


Statement of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin on International Youth Day 2016.
 
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, celebrates International Youth Day by reaffirming and recognizing the central role of young people in promoting the well-being of their families, communities and nations.
This year’s theme, “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Production and Consumption,” couldn’t be more relevant and timely. More than 500 million youth worldwide live in poverty, and often cannot afford their basic needs. They lack access to vital resources, and are disproportionately represented amongst the world’s poor. They have the most to gain if we succeed in eradicating poverty, and will have the most to lose if we fail. The good news is that young people are not the problem, as is often thought, but, in fact, they are the solution.
Last year, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which requires us to balance the needs of present and future generations, create economic growth without destroying natural resources and reduce consumption while enforcing well-being and dignity. To achieve these goals, a fundamental shift is needed. We must make decisions on the allocation of resources while keeping the interests of future generations in mind. We must make investments in social sectors that improve the resilience of individuals and communities. And we must place the fulfilment of human rights at the centre of development.
Globally, large youth populations represent a historic opportunity to introduce progress and adopt innovative solutions to ignite this change. Essential to this is the realization of young people’s rights to participate in the political, economic and social life of their communities and countries, and to freely make informed choices regarding their bodies, sexuality and reproduction without discrimination, violence or coercion.
To empower young people means giving them the tools to become even more influential, productive actors in their societies. In order to achieve this, countries need to end all forms of discrimination faced by young people, particularly adolescent girls, such as forced and child marriage and sexual violence, which can result in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and HIV infections, and risk derailing their future. Central to these efforts must be the promotion of access to education, health services, including sexual and reproductive health and family planning. These combined interventions are critical in order to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, strengthen the resilience of populations in the face of all challenges and seize the opportunities of the new economy.
Young people are already driving innovations in science and technology, making conscious choices that are drastically influencing patterns of consumption and production, and mobilizing to make companies, organizations and governments more socially and environmentally responsible. Where they can get information, technology, financing, mentorship, and platforms for collaboration, young innovators are able to turn their ideas into transformative solutions.
UNFPA is proud to partner with young people in more than 150 countries and territories around the world to promote their participation and leadership, enabling them to overcome barriers, spearhead innovations and unleash their full potential.
UNFPA calls on governments, development partners and other influencers to enact policies that promote young people’s development and human rights, and to measure progress across the Sustainable Development Goals that relate to adolescents and youth.
Young people must be engaged as partners in achieving these goals, as they are the generation that will inherit our planet. An adolescent girl who is 10 years old today will be an adult of 24 in 2030, the target year for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
We must ensure that her path through adolescence and youth leads to a brighter future for herself, her community and the world – that is paved with rights upheld, opportunities realized and promises fulfilled.
 
Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA Executive Director.

Empowered Young women and Young men as partners in achieving gender equality. UN WOMEN
 
 
 
Increasing prosperity, reducing exploitation, and encouraging new ideas and habits that support sustainability is the message behind the theme for this year’s International Youth Day: “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production.” With more than half the world’s population currently under 30, and a projected rise to 75 per cent over the next decade, young people have tremendous potential in helping to create a sustainable, prosperous and fair future for all. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which guide the road to 2030, are interlinked, so that the implementation of SDG 12, on responsible consumption and production, can help to achieve SDG 1, to reduce poverty. Both of these SDGs go hand in hand with SDG 5, the empowerment of women and girls. An integral part of the conversation around these issues is the barriers to women’s sustainable production practices and participation in the economy. A blog published on Empower Women reported that around 80 per cent of the labour that goes into producing coffee is done by rural women. Many of them are paid just US$1.75 per day, when the fruits of their labours can sell for up to US$240 per kilo. Globally, women make up the majority of those living on less than two dollars a day and, in some regions, account for 81 per cent of the unemployed. Where they do earn a wage, women are paid an average of 24 per cent less than men for the same work. Supporting small and starter businesses to grow not only creates badly needed jobs—it also drives growth and advances shared prosperity. Some 9.34 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) around the world are run by women. Yet, in many countries, women still face challenges that impede their ability to operate and grow their businesses. These barriers include exclusion from male-dominated markets, concentration in less-productive and lower-paying sectors and lack of access to business management skills training. We have the means to change these inequalities through the decisions that we make. As young activist Thabo Mubukwanu told us: “By purchasing from socially conscious companies that support women, I have the power to determine whether my money goes into making my community and the world at large a better place. Rather than spend $1 at a company that produces goods in sweatshops, I can spend it at a company that empowers women by including them at every level of their supply chain. I will know that with every purchase a woman somewhere can have a dignified life.” As individuals, we can all aim to be conscious consumers and encourage decisions that positively influence women’s livelihoods. As business owners, we can provide training and make explicit, fair purchasing and commissioning choices that support women producers, and as governments, we can remove legislative barriers that constrain women’s entrepreneurship and put in place provisions to ensure fair trade practices. Strengthening initiatives to promote women’s economic empowerment, including investing in innovation and skills development for young women and the gender responsive implementation of Agenda 2030, is a key component of UN Women’s youth strategy. In addition, we must educate young people on sustainable use of land, water and natural resources. This will empower them to make purchasing decisions that will encourage companies to re-evaluate their supply chains and integrate sustainability into corporate policies and culture.
 
 
 Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director UN Women.
 


Explore SDG4 Data - Unesco Institute for Statistics

Forum : International Youth Day is on August 12 each year.

The theme of the 2016 International Youth Day is “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production”. This year’s Day is about achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It focuses on the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production.




Toolkit to celebrate International Youth Day


Events : Events at UN Headquarters, New York.
 
Join us at UN Headquarters on 12 August 2016 to commemorate International Youth Day 2016 under the theme “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production.”
Find more information about the International Youth Day 2016 event.

Events Around the World
 
Events to celebrate International Youth Day 2016 will take place all over the world. You can organize an event to celebrate International Youth Day in your community, school, youth club, or workplace. Let us know about your event by sending your planned event or activity for International Youth Day to youth@un.org, and we’ll map it on the IYD World Map of Events.

 
 
 
 
Youth Video Competition on Climate Change
Young people can share how they are shaping a more sustainable future and win a trip to the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, Morocco. Send your video for the Global Youth Video Competition on Climate Change and win a trip to the ‪#‎COP22. See details on the competition.

Edit a Thons.
Wikipedia compiles what represents close to the sum of all human knowledge, and as an effort to ensure women are recognized as part of that sum, on the occasion of the International Youth Day, Empower Women is pleased to announce the launch of the HerStory initiative. Empower Women by UN Women, Wikimedia Foundation, the UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, the UN Inter-agency Network on Youth Development's Working Group on Youth and Gender Equality, and hundreds of volunteer champions are working on enhancing the content on Wikipedia related to women and gender equality to raise awareness, close the gender knowledge gap, and start changing and editing the future. Join HerStory edit-a-thons to contribute, promote and celebrate women of the world. Make sure you going to be an agent of this ‘herstorical’ change.


News :

Tuesday, 11 August 2015

International Youth Day 2015, August 12th.




Темой Международного дня молодежи 2015 года является «Молодежь и гражданская вовлеченность»
Tema 2015: «Participación cívica de los jóvenes»
Theme 2015 : Youth Civic Engagement
 Thème 2015 : « L'engagement civique des jeunes »
2015年的主题为:青年的公民参与
موضوع الاحتفال لعام 2015—إشراك المواطنين الشباب


United Nations Secretary-General's Message for the International Youth Day 2015.

Emerging threats, violent extremism, shifting political conditions, economic turmoil and social transformations are combining to heighten the challenges facing the world’s young people. No one knows better than them the issues at stake or the best way to respond. That is why I am calling on young people to speak out – and I am urging leaders to listen.
As the world changes with unprecedented speed, young people are proving to be invaluable partners who can advance meaningful solutions. Youth movements and student groups are challenging traditional power structures and advocating a new social contract between States and societies. Young leaders have contributed fresh ideas, taken proactive measures, and mobilized through social media as never before.
I applaud the millions of young people who are protesting for rights and participation, addressing staggering levels of youth unemployment, raising their voices against injustice, and advocating global action for people and the planet.
In this landmark year, as leaders prepare to adopt a bold new vision for sustainable development, the engagement of youth is more valuable than ever. At this critical moment in history, I call on young people to demand and foster the dramatic progress so urgently needed in our world.
Volunteerism is an ideal way to improve society – and it is open to virtually everyone. Youth can also join forces with the United Nations as we move from forging the new sustainable development goals to implementing them. That spirit of action is embodied in the theme of this International Day: “Youth and Civic Engagement.”
I stand with the world’s young people in calling for measures to secure human rights, economic progress, environmental stewardship and social inclusion.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Charter and the 20th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. In support of their aims, my Youth Envoy is helping to mobilize this largest generation of young people in history. As he says, youth engagement can help turn the world we want into the world we deserve. 
Let us all support young people in creating a future where our planet is protected and all people live in dignity.
Ban Ki-moon


International Youth Day is an opportunity to celebrate the creative force and the innovative impetus that young people bring to every society. This year’s theme – “Youth Civic Engagement” – emphasizes the role played by the involvement and inclusion of young people in building social cohesion and collective well-being.

From social entrepreneurs to journalists, from voluntary workers to members of community organizations, young people contribute to shaping society to lead it towards political, cultural and economic renewal.
We must support their civic engagement at every level, beginning with recognizing that young people form a separate social group with specific characteristics and expectations. Civic engagement is a way to exploit this potential to enrich society, further human rights and enable improved living conditions for all.
These goals are at the core of UNESCO’s projects, to offer young people the space and skills they need to develop, which reflects on all societies.
That is the spirit of UNESCO’s project to strengthen youth networks in the Mediterranean. Young people must be considered the drivers of change, and not only beneficiaries or targets. That involves reinforcing exchanges and cooperation between generations to ensure that young people are actually involved in developing the policies intended for them. The ninth UNESCO Youth Forum, held in October, will provide a unique platform to convey this message, and I invite young people from all over the world to attend and make their voices heard, to shape the action of world leaders. These voices carry the hope of half of the planet, for a sustainable future for all.
 Young people must be considered the drivers of change, and not only beneficiaries or targets.     

Irina Bokova
UNESCO Director-General
International Youth Day 2015

UNESCO youth Forum - Youth For Change, 26-28 october 2015, Paris

9th UNESCO Youth Forum

UNESCO Paris, France, 26-28 October 2015
This edition’s theme is Young Global Citizens for a Sustainable Planet”, to allow discussion of sustainable development challenges in the post-2015 context, while also maintaining a focus on climate change and related global debates around the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21).
The Forum is an integral part of the 38th session of the UNESCO General Conference.


 Statement of the UNFPA Executive Director for International Youth Day 2015
Investing in the Power of Young People, Transforming our World


Today, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, commemorates International Youth Day, under the theme, “Youth Civic Engagement,” by celebrating the actions young people around the world take to improve their well-being and that of their communities.

In 65 countries, more than half the population is younger than 24. Denying these young people the right to meaningful participation in decision-making is a gross violation of their human rights and a failure of the democratic process. It is also a waste of human capital that can propel nations towards development.

Young people are driving change towards a better future for all in every corner of the world. They are leading global action on climate change, campaigning to end discrimination, speaking out to uphold democracy and the freedom of speech, connecting our world with innovations in information technology, and building peace in societies ravaged by war.

In a world of increasing conflict, young people must be our strongest partners if peace and security are to win out over war.  We need their fullest capability and broadest engagement for people, the planet and prosperity to flourish.

The next 15 years offer a unique opportunity for a demographic dividend that will accelerate conflict-recovery and sustainable economic growth and development in many countries if we empower, support, educate and create employment for young people today.  Young women and men need protection from violence, and they have a right to access essential education and health services, including for their sexual and reproductive health. They also have the right to be at the tables where decisions and peace are made.

Yet, for the most part, young people remain excluded from decision-making processes. Although 16 per cent of the world’s population is 20-29 years old, this age group represents only 1.6 per cent of parliamentarians, most of whom are men. Young people rarely join political parties, and the majority do not vote in elections.

It is misleading, however, to conclude that young people are uninterested or simply do not care. Today’s young people are better educated and volunteer more for causes than previous generations. They are also a key driving force behind making companies, organizations and governments more socially and environmentally conscious.

To fully participate in the lives of their communities, young people need to overcome multiple legal, social and cultural barriers and discrimination. Adolescent girls, in particular, are often burdened by child marriage, sexual violence, unplanned pregnancies and HIV, preventing their full civic engagement.

In September, world leaders will formally adopt Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a historic, transformative, inclusive, universal agenda for our people and the planet. To have any chance of succeeding in building a better future for humanity, we must remove the obstacles confronted by young people and invest in their health, well-being, education and livelihoods to unleash and leverage their full potential as global citizens. We must ensure that all young people have access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, including comprehensive sexuality education.

UNFPA is proud to work with networks of adolescents and youth to mobilize support for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health.

Our efforts to promote youth leadership and participation enable young people to develop the skills, knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions about their bodies, lives, families, communities, countries and the world.
Together, we can ensure that the post-2015 development agenda promotes the human rights, health and well-being of the largest generation of young people in history.

Together, working in partnership with young people, we can enable them to survive, thrive and transform our world, and deliver a better future for all of us.
 

UNFPA Executive Director
Statement of the UNFPA Executive Director for International Youth Day - See more at: http://www.unfpa.org/news/investing-power-young-people-transforming-our-world#sthash.VBSHEQHw.dpuf

Investing in the Power of Young People, Transforming our World

12 August 2015
Author: UNFPA
Statement of the UNFPA Executive Director for International Youth Day
Today, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, commemorates International Youth Day, under the theme, “Youth Civic Engagement,” by celebrating the actions young people around the world take to improve their well-being and that of their communities.
In 65 countries, more than half the population is younger than 24. Denying these young people the right to meaningful participation in decision-making is a gross violation of their human rights and a failure of the democratic process. It is also a waste of human capital that can propel nations towards development.
Young people are driving change towards a better future for all in every corner of the world. They are leading global action on climate change, campaigning to end discrimination, speaking out to uphold democracy and the freedom of speech, connecting our world with innovations in information technology, and building peace in societies ravaged by war.
In a world of increasing conflict, young people must be our strongest partners if peace and security are to win out over war.  We need their fullest capability and broadest engagement for people, the planet and prosperity to flourish.
The next 15 years offer a unique opportunity for a demographic dividend that will accelerate conflict-recovery and sustainable economic growth and development in many countries if we empower, support, educate and create employment for young people today.  Young women and men need protection from violence, and they have a right to access essential education and health services, including for their sexual and reproductive health. They also have the right to be at the tables where decisions and peace are made.
Yet, for the most part, young people remain excluded from decision-making processes. Although 16 per cent of the world’s population is 20-29 years old, this age group represents only 1.6 per cent of parliamentarians, most of whom are men. Young people rarely join political parties, and the majority do not vote in elections.
It is misleading, however, to conclude that young people are uninterested or simply do not care. Today’s young people are better educated and volunteer more for causes than previous generations. They are also a key driving force behind making companies, organizations and governments more socially and environmentally conscious.
To fully participate in the lives of their communities, young people need to overcome multiple legal, social and cultural barriers and discrimination. Adolescent girls, in particular, are often burdened by child marriage, sexual violence, unplanned pregnancies and HIV, preventing their full civic engagement.
In September, world leaders will formally adopt Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a historic, transformative, inclusive, universal agenda for our people and the planet. To have any chance of succeeding in building a better future for humanity, we must remove the obstacles confronted by young people and invest in their health, well-being, education and livelihoods to unleash and leverage their full potential as global citizens. We must ensure that all young people have access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, including comprehensive sexuality education.
UNFPA is proud to work with networks of adolescents and youth to mobilize support for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health.
Our efforts to promote youth leadership and participation enable young people to develop the skills, knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions about their bodies, lives, families, communities, countries and the world.
Together, we can ensure that the post-2015 development agenda promotes the human rights, health and well-being of the largest generation of young people in history.
Together, working in partnership with young people, we can enable them to survive, thrive and transform our world, and deliver a better future for all of us.
 
- See more at: http://www.unfpa.org/news/investing-power-young-people-transforming-our-world#sthash.VBSHEQHw.dpuf

Forum : International Youth Day is on August 12 each year.


take part in this year's #YouthDay campaign!




Project
  • Networks of Mediterranean Youth (NET-MED Youth)

    NET-MED Youth is a unique three-year project implemented by UNESCO and funded by the European Union with the aim of building the capacities of youth, enhancing networking among them, engaging them in dialogue with national stakeholders and in the development and revision of public policies.
Event
International Youth Day 2015 events and celebrations Worldwide
  • 2015 Event At The United Nations Headquarters
On 12 August 2015, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) with the support of the UN Inter-agency Network on Youth Development is organizing an event to commemorate International Youth Day under the theme Youth Civic Engagement. Find more information about the International Youth Day 2015 event by clicking here.( http://undesadspd.org/Youth/InternationalYouthDay/2015/Event.aspx)
  • 2015 Events Around The World
Organize an event to celebrate International Youth Day in your community, school, youth club, or workplace. You can get some ideas from the toolkit here. If you organize an event, let us know about it sending an email to youth@un.org, and we’ll map it on our International Youth Day activities map.
  • 2015 Featured Event: Celebration In The Philippines
The Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth Mr. Ahmad Alhendawiwill mark the International Youth Day with young people from Asia at large and from the Philippines in particular.  On August 12, the Envoy will deliver opening remarks at the 3rd Asian Youth Forum. He will also join the Filipino National Youth Day Celebration with 1,000 young people from the country, UN, government representatives, legislators, civil society partners, and donor organizations.
  • International Youth Day Digital Surge
On 12 August between 9am EST and 3pm EST (New York City time) join the International Youth Day Digital Surge! Use #YouthDay and #YouthNow

  • Online Photo Exhibit: #YouthNow Driving Change
For the month of August, each day we will share a photo and story of a young person driving change in their community. Check out the album here.Join us and share a story of an inspiring young person in your community online using the #YouthDay and #YouthNow.
  • Online Photo Campaign
Share your photos of young people engaging and promoting civic engagement for change using the hashtag #YouthDay.  Selected photo entries will be chosen for the #YouthDay competition, to be selected by UN4Youth Facebook followers. The winning photo will be showcased at the International Youth Day event on 12 August in UN Headquarters, and online, via @UN4Youth and @undp4youth Social Media platforms. Learn more about the #YouthDay campaign here!
  • Inspiring Quotes On Youth
Check out inspiring quotes from the world leaders and UN Officials celebrating youth. We will be uploading them on twitter at @UNYouthEnvoy. Follow #YouthDay and #YouthNow
Links

Publications
News

Monday, 11 August 2014

International Youth Day 2014, August 12th.

 


2014 International Youth Day: Youth and Mental Health.
Темой Международного дня молодежи 2014 года является «Молодежь и психическое здоровье».
 Tema 2014:«Los jóvenes y salud mental».
 Thème de la Journée 2014 : « Les jeunes et la santé mentale ».
 وموضوع اليوم الدولي للشباب لعام 2014 هو "الشباب والصحة النفسية".


Have Your Say on Youth Mental Health



 ǀ Français ǀ Español ǀ (pdf)

A new publication from the United Nations shows that 20 per cent of the world’s young people experience a mental health condition each year.  The risks are especially great as they transition from childhood to adulthood.  Stigma and shame often compound the problem, preventing them from seeking the support they need.  For this year’s observance of International Youth Day, the United Nations wants to help lift the veil that keeps young people locked in a chamber of isolation and silence.
The barriers can be overwhelming, particularly in countries where the issue of mental health is ignored and there is a lack of investment in mental health services.  Too often, owing to neglect and irrational fear, persons with mental health conditions are marginalized not only from having a role in the design and implementation of development policies and programmes but even from basic care.  This leaves them more vulnerable to poverty, violence and social exclusion, and has a negative impact on society as a whole.
Young people who are already considered vulnerable, such as homeless youth, those involved in the juvenile justice system, orphaned youth and those having experienced conflict situations, are often more susceptible to stigma and other barriers, leaving them even more adrift when they are most in need of support.  Let us remember that with understanding and assistance, these young people can flourish, making valuable contributions to our collective future.
We have just about 500 days to reach the Millennium Development Goals.  We must support all young people, especially those who are vulnerable, to succeed in this historic campaign.
Wide-ranging efforts at all levels are needed to raise awareness about the importance of investing in and supporting young people with mental health conditions.  Increased education is crucial in reducing stigma and in changing how we talk about and perceive mental health.
Mental health is how we feel; it is our emotions and well-being.  We all need to take care of our mental health so that we lead satisfying lives.  Let us begin to talk about our mental-health in the same way we talk about our overall health.
As we mark International Youth Day 2014, let us enable youth with mental health conditions to realize their full potential, and let us show that mental health matters to us all.

Ban Ki-moon

Statement

11 August 2014

Statement of the Executive Director, UNFPA

International Youth Day, 12 August 2014 “Mental Health Matters”
French | Spanish | Russian | Arabic
A safe and healthy passage from adolescence into adulthood is the right of every child. Being healthy means not merely the absence of illness, but complete physical, mental and social well-being. An essential component of this is being able to realize one’s potential, cope with the stresses of life, build healthy relationships, work productively and participate fully in society. Yet, the mental health of young people is largely ignored and, as a result, depression is the largest cause of disability, and suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people worldwide. On this International Youth Day, we declare, ‘Mental Health Matters’!
On their journey to adulthood, adolescents discover who they are, what they aspire to and the risks they face. They come to terms with how their identities relate to those around them and learn to deal with social expectations. Facing stigma and discrimination due to gender, sexuality, HIV, disability or other status can make this passage especially challenging. It is critically important for adolescents to have supportive relationships with teachers, role models and mentors, so that they can emerge into adulthood with positive self-esteem and self-value.
Across the world, 1 in 4 adolescent girls are sexually assaulted and 1 in 3 young women were married before the age of 18. The situation is even worse for millions of adolescents living in areas of conflict or humanitarian crises. When adolescents are prevented from having control over their physical and mental integrity, it has severe consequences for their mental health. The resulting post-traumatic stress disorders and depression multiply the injustice they face and add to the burden of unwanted pregnancies, HIV infection or unsafe abortions. Early exposure to trauma and adversity is an established preventable risk factor for mental disorders.
Being able to access health services is essential for all young people. Yet, young people living with mental health disabilities are prevented from getting the care and treatment they require. Those admitted to psychiatric institutions often face degrading treatment and inhuman living conditions. All young people, but particularly those with mental disabilities, are excluded from community life and denied the opportunity to participate in decision-making that affects their lives. Many young people with mental disabilities are denied the right to vote, marry and have children, affecting their ability to gain access to appropriate care, integrate into society and recover from their illnesses.
Mental health matters, and the international community has much to do to fulfil its obligations to young people. We must ensure the availability of services to prevent, diagnose and treat mental health conditions. We must end the stigma, discrimination and violations of human rights against people with mental disabilities. We must guarantee a safe and healthy passage through adolescence for all.
UNFPA is working in more than 150 countries and territories around the world to ensure that adolescents and youth have the knowledge, skills and services to enable them to exercise their rights, understand their bodies, and make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Through the Action for Adolescent Girls initiative, we are focusing on their health, safety, education, engagement and empowerment. When adolescent girls have knowledge, self-esteem, confidence, friends, mentors and health services, they are more able to exercise their rights. Most importantly, we are making sure young people’s voices and priorities are incorporated in development plans and policies.
- See more at: http://www.unfpa.org/public/cache/offonce/home/news/pid/18102;jsessionid=513E984B84D537F2B6F06A5A80EE5F72.jahia01#sthash.KBZ6I6Je.dpuf
Mental Health Matter - International Youth Day 2014


Youth is a period of dramatic change, and the journey from childhood to adulthood can be complex, raising a host of mental health issues.
 
The theme of this International Youth Day is “ Youth and Mental Health,” under the motto Mental Health Matters. This is an opportunity to raise awareness about the difficulties facing young women and men, including from stigma and discrimination, and to support them so that they can fully achieve their aspirations.

Guided by an Operational Strategy on Youth (2014-2021), UNESCO focusses on the needs of ma rginalized young women and men to promote their full integration into society. We work to support school health programmes, as well as informal and non-formal learning, and by mobilizing the power of information and communication technologies.
At the wider level, we are committed to promoting inclusive integrated policies on youth, in which all youth voices are meaningfully consulted and engaged. In all this, we seek to provide opportunities for young people to develop the skills and competences necessary to transition to adulthood and to make the most of all opportunities offered by societies that are increasingly diverse and undergoing transformation.

This requires seeing young women and men not as objects of policy but as agents of change. It calls for action to promote intergenerational under standing and partnership, to strengthen solidarity and to ensure the full integration of all young women and men in society and the economy. In crafting new policies, we need to draw upon lessons learnt and listen to the needs of young people so as to help them overcome the challenges they face The mental health of young women and men is important for the health of society as a whole. They are a well spring of ideas for innovation and leaders for positive change.We need to support them in every way in order to build with them inclusive,just--and healthy--societies.

Irina Bokova


Statement of the Executive Director, UNFPA on the occasion of the International Youth Day, 12 August 2014 “Mental Health Matters”

UNFPA is working in more than 150 countries and territories around the world to ensure that adolescents and youth have the knowledge, skills and services to enable them to exercise their rights, understand their bodies, and make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Through the Action for Adolescent Girls initiative, we are focusing on their health, safety, education, engagement and empowerment. When adolescent girls have knowledge, self-esteem, confidence, friends, mentors and health services, they are more able to exercise their rights. Most importantly, we are making sure young people’s voices and priorities are incorporated in development plans and policies.


 

From 12 June until International Youth Day on 12 August, the United Nations is running a campaign to draw awareness to the importance of reducing stigma surrounding youth with mental health conditions. We need you to help raise awareness and reduce the shame. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to help raise awareness! Use hashtags #MentalHealthMatters and#UN4Youth.

 IYD2014 Map of Events
 
 Join the Forum : Have Your Say on Youth Mental Health, International Youth Day is on August 12 each year.




Today, more than ever, young women and men are change-makers, building new realities for themselves and their communities. All over the world, youth are driving social change and innovation, claiming respect for their fundamental human rights and freedoms, and seeking new opportunities to learn and work together for a better future.

UNESCO recognizes this reality, and therefore prioritizes its work with and for youth across all its programmes. The Organization is guided in this by an Operational Strategy on Youth (2014-2021), which is the result of a long process of review and consultation, engaging both young people and Member States. This serves both to consolidate and innovate UNESCO’s action for youth.


What is the UNESCO Strategy on Youth?

The Strategy covers a period of eight years, from 2014 to 2021, and provides the framework for constructive partnerships to be developed with and between youth organizations and youth-related stakeholders. It is built on the premise that youth are key partners and actors for development and peace.

The Strategy puts forward three multidisciplinary and complementary axes of work which incorporate the full range of UNESCO’s expertise in education, culture, natural, social and human sciences, and communication and information:

1. Policy formulation and review with the participation of youth.
Axis 1 - Policy formulation and review with the participation of youth - UNESCO Operational  Strategy on Youth 2014-2021.
Axis 2 - Capacity development for the transition to adulthood - UNESCO Operational  Strategy on Youth 2014-2021.
Axis 3 - Civil engagement, democratic participation and social innovation - UNESCO Operational  Strategy on Youth 2014-2021.



The implementation of the UNESCO Operational Strategy on Youth is also guided by the recommendations produced at the 8th UNESCO Youth Forum (UNESCO Paris, France, 29-31 October 2013).

Read the Outcome Document of the 8th UNESCO Youth Forum


UNESCO Operational Strategy on Youth 2014-2021.

 Events :
A celebration of International Youth Day will in the ECOSOC Chamber, UNHQ, from 10:30am-1:30pm on 12 August, 2014.
The event is co-organized by UN DESA’s Division for Social Policy and Development and the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth.
The event will bring together young people, youth organizations, Member State representatives, civil society, and UN entities to discuss the issue of youth and mental-health in particular looking at issues such as the impact of stigma, discrimination and exclusion, on the local, country, and international levels.

How to participate?
Register for the event here
Watch the event live.

How to commemorate International Youth Day?

To commemorate the Day, you are encouraged to organize events or activities in your community.
  • Organize
    Hold forums, public discussions and information campaigns in support of young people, focusing on strengthening partnerships with and for young people.
  • Celebrate
    Plan and organize performances to showcase and celebrate how youth contribute to the societies in which they live, and how everyone, through partnerships with and for youth, can build a better world.
  • Map Events
    Are you planning an activity to mark International Youth Day 2014 in your community? Send details to youth@un.org and your event may be added to our world map of events.
  • Follow us
    Twitter: @UN4Youth
    Facebook: facebook.com/UN4Youth