On 31 August 2026, on the International Day for People of African Descent, the UN Movie Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council is honoured to present a special conversation with two-time Academy Award®-winning director Ben Proudfoot, director of THE EYES OF GHANA.
On this occasion, opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Mr. Samuel Yao Kumah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations. Executive produced by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, THE EYES OF GHANA is a documentary feature by two-time Academy Award-winning director Ben Proudfoot, following 93-year-old cinematographer Chris Hesse — personal cameraman to Ghana's founding President, Kwame Nkrumah — as he races against blindness and time to rescue and repatriate more than 1,000 reels of long-lost footage documenting the birth of African independence. The film's story of reclaiming a suppressed visual history speaks directly to the spirit of the International Day for People of African Descent, honouring the memory, culture, and resilience of people of African descent worldwide. The International Day for People of African Descent reminds us that recognition, justice, and development — the three pillars of the UN's Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034) — remain vital, unfinished work. THE EYES OF GHANA embodies that work: Chris Hesse's decades-long fight to save the footage of Ghana's independence from erasure, and Anita Afonu's mission to ensure that this history is never lost again. Movies hold the unique power to promote universal ideals, principles, and values so deeply enshrined by the United Nations, including peace, development, respect for human rights, cultural appreciation, the dignity of the human person, and equal rights for all. Founded at the United Nations Headquarters by Brenda Vongova, the UN Movie Society is committed to championing the goals and values of the United Nations through the universal language of motion pictures.
THE BRINK OF WAR is based on the incredible true story of the 1986 Reykjavík Summit in Iceland, where President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met inside Höfði House for a high-stakes, closed-door negotiation at the height of the Cold War. Stripping away political theater, the film captures two opposing leaders locked in intense dialogue as they confront the existential threat of nearly 70,000 nuclear weapons and dare to imagine the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals. Though the summit ultimately collapsed over disagreements regarding the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), the mutual trust forged in that room paved the way for the groundbreaking 1987 INF Treaty a year later. By highlighting how direct, honest communication averted global catastrophe, the film serves as a powerful testament to the necessity of diplomacy on the UN International Day Against Nuclear Tests. The UN International Day Against Nuclear Tests reminds us that dialogue, mutual understanding, and the courageous pursuit of peace remain our strongest safeguards against atomic escalation and nuclear annihilation. Established by the UN General Assembly to raise global awareness about the catastrophic dangers of nuclear testing, this observance underscores that even the deepest geopolitical divides can be bridged when nations choose dialogue and negotiation over confrontation. THE BRINK OF WAR dramatically reinforces this vital message, showing that true leadership requires looking past suspicion to secure a safer, nuclear-weapon-free world for future generations. Movies hold the unique power to promote universal ideals, principles, and values so deeply enshrined by the United Nations, including peace, development, respect for human rights, cultural appreciation, the dignity of the human person, and equal rights for all. Founded at the United Nations Headquarters by Brenda Vongova, the UN Movie Society is committed to championing the goals and values of the United Nations through the universal language of motion pictures.
UN Movie Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council. Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director Interview with Michael Russell Gunn, Director of THE BRINK OF WAR
Written Message by the UN Secretary-General for the International Day Against Nuclear Tests
**************************** SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications UN Executive Office of the Secretary-General
Speech writing Unit
Angel Sarah Amro Junket Productions, Inc.
Opening and Closing Music
UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director JOHANNES BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) Six Pieces for Piano, Op.118: 2. Intermezzo in A Major, Andante teneramente (arr. for Viola and Piano) Jeremy Kienbaum (Viola), Brenda Vongova (Piano).
10’ Opening
session:
- Opening remarks -Tentative speakers Rafael Peralta (Director
of NY Office) Japan
- Indonesia.
10’ Technical
Showcase:
Earth
Observation for
Lake
Monitoring
- Demonstration of Global
Wetland Watch and how
satellite-bas ed monitoring
supports lake extent,
wetland monitoring,
national reporting, and
evidence-based
management. Tentative speakers - UNEP – GWW (Stuart
Crane, remotely)
30’ MultiStakeholder
Panel
Discussion:
From Science
to Policy.
Suggested guiding questions :
• How can lake conservation be
better integrated into national
climate and biodiversity
strategies?
• What lessons can countries
s hare through South-South and
triangular cooperation?
• What technical and financial
support is needed to accelerate
action?
• How can momentum be
sustained toward the 21st
World Lake Conference?
Recognizing the critical importance and compounding crises faced by lakes, a special event to commemorate World Lake Day is being organized to elevate the global political and technical profile of sustainable lake management. Lakes and reservoirs contain more than 90% of the world's liquid surface freshwater. They are the lifeblood of ecosystems, driving local economies, securing food and drinking water for billions, and regulating local climates. Despite their critical importance, lakes globally face unprecedented threats from pollution, agricultural runoff, climate-induced evaporation, and rapid biodiversity loss.
Lake Chelan is the cleanest lake in America, due to its low mineral levels and low turbidity.
The Great Salt Lake is the dirtiest lake in the US right now, with by far the heaviest mineral load of any ranked lake (134,500 mg/L Total Dissolved Solids), as well as the lowest dissolved oxygen levels (3.65 mg/L) and the highest ammonia levels of any lake in the top ten dirtiest (0.92 mg/L).
Over 60 major lakes in America were assessed across eight different categories.
The Cleanest and Dirtiest Lakes at a Glance
A new report has revealed the cleanest and dirtiest lakes in America, with Lake Chelan ranking as the cleanest, while the Great Salt Lake in Utah ranks as the dirtiest due to its saline levels. The study, conducted by vacation rental platform Lake.com, analyzed all the available chemical data from the National Water Quality Monitoring Council (NWQMC) for 100 of America’s largest lakes, sampled from January 1st, 2021, until July 30th, 2026. The study evaluated eight of the most commonly measured characteristics that can indicate a lake’s cleanliness level:
Dissolved oxygen
Ammonia
Lead
Phosphorus
Sulfate
Total dissolved solids
Turbidity
pH levels
A total of 67 lakes reported at least three of these pollution factors and therefore qualified for the study. The findings were put into an index to produce a pollution score out of 10 to determine the safest and most dangerous lakes based on hygiene, pollution and more.
At the other end of the scale, Lake Chelan in Washington state is the cleanest lake in America. Lake Chelan has turbidity of just 2.00 NTU, meaning it’s extremely clear, and one of the lowest TDS levels at 30.25 mg/L. Lake Chelan also experiences low sulfate levels of 3.65 mg/L.
The Great Salt Lake in Utah is America’s dirtiest lake. Its water carries an extremely high mineral load, with total dissolved solids (TDS) of 134,500 mg/L, which is much more than any other lake in the study. TDS refers to the total minerals within water, including sulfates, chlorides, calcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonates and sodium, and indicates the general quality of water. While not necessarily a direct indicator of pollution itself, the levels highlight how dangerous it could be to ingest any water from the Great Salt Lake due to its extreme chemistry.
The Great Salt Lake is also the most poorly oxygenated lake in the ranking, with dissolved oxygen of just 3.65 mg/L. If this level were to drop below 2, the lake would become hypoxic, meaning fish would suffocate. It also reports the highest ammonia of any lake in the top ten dirtiest ranking at 0.92 mg/L, along with elevated lead at 2.09 µg/L. The Great Salt Lake is not a freshwater lake and is a terminal lake; therefore, there is no outlet for any mineral or chemical buildup.
Lake McConaughy in Nebraska and Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin rank second and third dirtiest, respectively. Lake McConaughy has turbidity levels of 5.50 NTU, while Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, is ranked so low due to its high levels of phosphorus, which are 0.09 mg/L, along with a pH deviation of 1.58.
The fourth dirtiest lake in America is Lake Vermilion in Minnesota. Lake Vermilion is the second least oxygenated lake, behind the Great Salt Lake, with dissolved oxygen of just 3.90 mg/L.
Devils Lake in North Dakota is the fifth dirtiest lake in the country and is likely to be the smelliest of all, as it has the highest levels of sulfate (639 mg/L) due to no natural outlet to dilute sulfates over time. The smell of sulfate is often described as similar to ‘rotten egg’.
Despite ranking as the eighteenth dirtiest lake overall, Lake Moultrie in South Carolina is the most lead-contaminated lake included in the study, with samples detecting lead at 17.2 µg/L. There is no safe level of lead.
Lake Mattamuskeet in North Carolina shows the highest ammonia of any freshwater lake in the top ten, estimated at 0.67 mg/L. Ammonia should not be present at all in clean water, and when levels reach 0.53 mg/L, the water begins to become harmful to fish.
“America’s largest lakes remain, on the whole, clean and pleasant to swim in. Even the lakes at the top of our dirtiest table sit within the range you would expect for large natural bodies of water, which shows that there is good maintenance and care for them.
“However, with that in mind, some monitoring of lakes throughout the country is uneven from one lake to the next, so anyone looking to visit a lake, particularly swimmers, needs to check any signage near their local swimming spot and follow the advice given to them. No lake in the ranking is inherently dangerous, but you could be at risk of a stomach bug.” David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com
On this International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, we remember all those who have been targeted because of their faith.
Across the world, bloodshed based on religious affiliation runs rampant. Festivals have been attacked. Places of worship desecrated. And many believers – especially among religious minorities – face hostility both online and off.
Such acts are an assault on human rights and human dignity. They must end now.
I urge governments to bring perpetrators to justice and work to counter all forms of discrimination and hate speech. I appeal to religious leaders to speak out against violence. And I call on digital technology companies to design and moderate their platforms in ways that protect users from stigma and scapegoating.
Whenever one group is persecuted, no group is safe. Today, we honour the victims of violence and commit to building societies where all faiths can live and worship in peace.
FORUM: "Healing through Memory." International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism 2026. The General Assembly, in its resolution 72/165 (2017), proclaimed August 21st as International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. The focus of the International Day is to honour, remember, and pay tribute to the victims of terrorism by standing in solidarity and promoting and protecting their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Selected in consultation with the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), this year’s theme recognises that acts of remembrance and memorialisation are not merely about looking back, but are essential for the dignity, recognition and long-term healing of survivors. By preserving stories and fostering empathy, collective memory can strengthen social cohesion and contribute to the prevention of future violence. To achieve this, commemorations must be respectful, victim-centred, and trauma-informed, ensuring they honor survivors without causing further harm. The International Day serves both as a tribute and a call to action. It honours the courage, resilience and leadership of victims and survivors while encouraging Member States, international organizations, civil society, educators, media professionals, and technology companies to promote responsible approaches to remembrance that uphold victims' rights and contribute to healing and prevention. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #UNiteforVictimsofTerrorism, #UNCCT, #VictimsofTerrorism, #21August, #HealingthroughMemory.
EVENT: On Friday; August 21st, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. EDT to mark the ninth International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the United Nations will host a high-level virtual event under the theme "Healing through Memory." The event will feature keynote remarks from Secretary-General António Guterres and opening remarks from the Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Alexandre Zouev. It will also include reflections from victims and survivors of terrorism on the role of remembrance in healing and recovery, and a Global Minute of Silence to honour victims and survivors worldwide. The event will also mark the launch of a new victim-led initiative by members of the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN). Developed by victims and survivors worldwide, this project examines online harms experienced by victims of terrorism and presents recommendations for technology platforms to promote more victim-centred and trauma-informed digital spaces that prevent re-traumatisation. The event will be broadcast live and on-demand on UN WebTV. Stay tuned to Watch the livestream!
Agenda Programme of the High-Level Commemorative Event
21 August 2026
10.00- 11.15 am EDT (New York time) 10:00 a.m. - Welcome remarks and moderation of event
H.E. Mr. Lukman Al Faily, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations and Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism
10:03 a.m. - Keynote remarks
Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations 10:05 a.m. - Opening remarks
Mr. Alexandre Zouev, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism,United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
10:10 a.m. - Victims’ Voices - “Healing through Memory” Four victims of terrorism share reflections on remembrance, memorialization, and the role of memory in healing and recovery
Mr. Joseph Pfiefer (USA)
Ms. Saynab Warsame (Somalia)
Ms. Rachel Goldberg-Polin (Israel/USA)
Ms. Yassmine Bouzidi (Morocco)
10:25 a.m. - Global Minute of Silence 10:26 a.m. - Statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism
H.E. Ms. Ana Jiménez de la Hoz, Deputy Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations and Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism
10:30 a.m. End of High-Level Segment 10:30 a.m. Launch of "Building a Safer Internet for Victims of Terrorism”
Panel discussion on VoTAN’s recommendations for addressing online harms affecting victims and survivors of terrorism Moderator: Ms. Sian Hutchinson, Officer-in-Charge, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Section, UNOCT
Ms. Odette Chesnot (Victims of Terrorism Associations Network)
Ms. Maysoon Salama (Victims of Terrorism Associations Network)
Ms. Naureen Chowdhury Fink (Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism)
Ms. Emily Knowles (UNOCT/UNCCT Victims of Terrorism Programme)
11.10 a.m. - VoTAN video: “Healing Through Memory”
Featuring reflections from VoTAN members on the role of memory and remembrance in healing and recovery
11:15 a.m. Music performed by the UN Chamber Music Society
Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622, II. Adagio, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Media and Communications: Victims of terrorism, victims' associations, Member States, civil society organizations and United Nations
partners are encouraged to create social media content to commemorate the International Day on their
platforms, using the hashtag #UNiteforVictimsofTerrorism. A Trello board with communications assets
will be provided by UNOCT. Communication activities will promote respectful, victim-centred, trauma-informed and responsible remembrance while highlighting the importance of preserving victims' stories
and experiences for future generations.
More information about the International Day will be available on the dedicated page on the
UNOCT website and on the main UN Observances page. For more information, please contact
Ms. Laurence Gerard, Public Information Officer, at gerardl@un.org.
Today, we pay tribute to the victims and survivors of terrorism. We honour their courage; amplify their voices; and reaffirm our commitment to their dignity and rights. This year’s theme, “Healing through Memory”, reminds us that remembrance is a pathway to recovery and renewal.
But how we remember matters. Victims’ stories must never be exploited or used to sow more hate, including on digital platforms. When we commemorate responsibly, we protect victims from further trauma and counter the harmful narratives terrorism seeks to spread.
Instead of letting terror divide us, we can and must stay united. Today and every day, let us stand in solidarity with victims and survivors. And build a future free from violence and fear.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’.
COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Digital assets and other campaign tools are available on the Trello board.
Partnerships: The UNOCT/UNCCT Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme leads the organization of all commemorative activities for International Day, in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, and in partnership with the United Nations Department of Global Communications and the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Working Group on Promoting and Protecting Human Rights and the Rule of Law while Countering Terrorism and Supporting Victims of Terrorism
FORUM: "#ActforHumanity" World Humanitarian Day 2026. 2025 set another grim record for violence against aid workers, with 907 colleagues killed, injured or kidnapped, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said today on World Humanitarian Day.
While the death toll decreased slightly to 350 last year, the overall level of violence did not ease: 322 aid workers survived attacks that left them injured while 235 were kidnapped, according to Humanitarian Outcomes’ Aid Worker Security Database.
With 186 humanitarians killed, Gaza remained the deadliest context for the third year running, followed by Sudan with 71 killed.
So far in 2026, 82 aid workers have been killed, 97 injured and 39 kidnapped across the world.
“More than 1,000 aid workers have been killed in just three years and that is utterly unacceptable,” said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. “But just calling it out will not protect the next aid worker. States must uphold international humanitarian law and use every tool to protect civilians and our colleagues. And for those who break the rules, there must be real consequences.”
Of particular concern is the proliferation of cheap and adaptable armed drones that are putting lethal power into ever more hands and sending more explosive weapons into towns and cities.
In Sudan, armed drones caused 80 per cent of civilian deaths in the first four months of 2026, hitting markets and health facilities.
In Ukraine, drones killed 80 civilians in April this year alone, while in the Russian Federation, civilians have been killed and civilian infrastructure damaged because of drone attacks.
In Colombia, attacks using weaponized drones quadrupled between 2024 and 2025.
Humanitarians are increasingly in the crosshairs of armed drones. In March this year, an aid worker was killed in a drone strike on a residential building in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In just one week in May, four humanitarian convoys were hit in Ukraine.
"Weaponized drones have become the new face of an old danger: the deliberate or reckless destruction of civilian life,” Mr. Fletcher said. “The technology may change, but the laws of war do not.”
On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the dedicated workers who provide life-saving aid to millions in need. We also confront an appalling truth: Serving others has become more dangerous than ever. More than a thousand humanitarians have been killed in the last three years. Most were local staff supporting their own communities. Countless others narrowly survived being shot at, shelled, bombed, kidnapped, or raped. Schools and hospitals are coming under fire. And new tools of war – including armed drones – are posing fresh risks. At the same time, disinformation is eroding trust. Humanitarian funding is being cut. And humanitarian access is being restricted. We see aid convoys blocked. Aid workers threatened, arrested, and detained. And people in desperate need left without support. Attacks on humanitarian workers are illegal. And the consequences are devastating. For families struggling to survive. Children waiting for food. Patients seeking urgent care. And so many more. The world has made commitments. Now it must act: To respect the rules of war; Ensure safe access; Hold perpetrators accountable; And provide sufficient resources. Humanitarian workers stand up for people in need. We must stand up for them. We must act for humanity – now.
António Guterres.
EVENTS: On August 19th, starting at 4 p.m., the UN Geneva held a commemorative eventin the memory of those who paid the utmost sacrifice in line of duty and to honour the invaluable contribution of humanitarian workers. The event will bring together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers. Register to participate and Watch the livestream!
Agenda Programme
World Humanitarian Day 2026 – Commemoration Ceremony. Tuesday, 19 August 2026, 4 p.m. Salle des Pas Perdus, 3rd Floor, Building A, Palais des Nations
4 P.M. OPENING OF THE EVENT
Master of ceremony: Ms. Alessandra Vellucci, Director, United Nations Information Service at Geneva
Wreath laying and candle lightning ceremony by the United Nations
Laying of flowers by the survivors and families of the victims of the attack against the United Nations Mission in Baghdad of 19 August 2003, and other UN offices
Laying of flowers by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva
Remarks by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General, United Nations Office at Geneva
Minute of silence
Remarks by Mr. Barham Salih, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Remarks by Ms. Awa Dabo, Deputy High Commissioner, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Saywan Barzani, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
Remarks by Ms. Shawbo Taher-Al-Talabani, survivor of the 19 August 2003 terrorist attack against the United Nations Mission in Baghdad
Remarks by Ms. Laura Johnson, Executive Secretary, UNOG Staff Union
Remarks by Ms. Gemma Connell, Officer-in-Charge, Humanitarian Sector Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
5 P.M. CONCLUSION OF THE EVENT.
Annual observance of World Humanitarian Day at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
Lowering of the UN Flag to half mast in observance of World Humanitarian Day 2026, and in honour of humanitarian personnel who have lost their lives.
Lowering of the UN Flag to half mast in observance of World Humanitarian Day 2026, and in honour of humanitarian personnel who have lost their lives.
Led by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the 2026 campaign theme under #ActForHumanity spotlights the grave dangers aid workers face—particularly from weaponized drones—and shares the personal stories of fallen humanitarians through their families.
Lowering of the UN Flag to half mast in observance of World Humanitarian Day 2026, and in honour of humanitarian personnel who have lost their lives.
Wreath-laying by the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. António Guterres in front of the plaque honouring those who lost their lives in Baghdad, followed by a moment of silence.
The ceremony also marks the observance of World Humanitarian Day designated by the General Assembly in 2008 to coincide with the date of the bombing in Baghdad.
The Day also honours humanitarian aid workers who have been killed or injured in the course of their work.
Confirmed attending survivors (in-person):Mr. Salim Lone, the spokesperson in Baghdad for Mr. Sérgio Vieira de Mello, the head of the UN mission in Iraq. Mr. Lone currently writes columns for a newspapers, including The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, The Sunday Nation (Kenya), and publishes on the Iraq war. More about Mr. Lone: Salim Lone - Wikipedia Mr. Francis Mead, UN and BBC Filmmaker/Writer: He was working on the day of the bomb blast in the Canal Hotel - reporting on the situation in Iraq for the IRIN news service - which was then part of the UN. He is from the UK and worked for the UN for 25 years, mostly making documentaries, before retiring in 2023. Mr. Darko Mocibob, Director, Political Affairs - Middle East Division, DPPA-DPO. Mr. Romano Lasker, Manager, Humanitarian Development Peace, Crisis Bureau, UNDP.
Other survivors and family members of the victims will also join us live on UN Web TV.View less Related Sites and Documents: Press release.
FORUM: "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations." International Youth Day 2026. Today, we recognize that while young people’s lives are shaped by different national and local realities, their aspirations are remarkably similar. Across countries and communities, young people seek dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education, and a sustainable future. This year’s theme places particular attention on young people living in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who often experience overlapping challenges linked to poverty, climate change, geographic isolation, limited economic opportunities, and unequal access to digital technologies. At the same time, these young people continue to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and innovation in advancing sustainable development within their communities and beyond. Although young people experience different realities depending on where they live, many of today's most pressing challenges transcend borders. Limited access to quality education, barriers to decent work, unequal digital connectivity, climate change, social exclusion, and concerns about mental well-being affect millions of young people worldwide. These challenges are often most acute in LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, where structural constraints—including limited fiscal space, geographic isolation, climate vulnerability, and infrastructure gaps—can reduce opportunities for youth. Yet young people in these countries are also leading innovative solutions through entrepreneurship, digital technologies, community action, climate adaptation, and social innovation. The 2026 theme emphasizes that recognizing different contexts should strengthen—not diminish—global solidarity. By investing in youth everywhere and supporting those facing the greatest barriers, the international community can help ensure that no young person is left behind.
The 2026 Sub-themes are about:
Global Solidarity: Sustainable development and youth development are shared responsibilities. This sub-theme highlights the importance of international cooperation, partnerships, and equitable access to opportunities and resources that enable young people everywhere to thrive. Shared Challenges: Young people across countries increasingly face interconnected challenges related to education, employment, climate change, digital inclusion, and mental well-being. This sub-theme encourages dialogue and collective responses informed by young people's lived experiences. Youth Innovation: Young people are developing practical and creative solutions to local and global challenges. From climate action and digital entrepreneurship to community-led initiatives and social innovation, youth continue to demonstrate leadership even in resource-constrained settings. This sub-theme celebrates their contributions while promoting opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
On this occasion, we celebrate also the young people around the world who are turning ideas into action, building businesses, creating opportunities and driving change in their communities. Through our global youth entrepreneurship community, we are proud to connect and support young entrepreneurs on their journeys. With The hashtags #InternationalYouthDay, we celebrate the young entrepreneurs showing us what hashtag #YouthLead looks like in action — and the creativity, ambition and leadership they bring to building a better future.
On this International Youth Day, I'm delighted to join you in celebrating the vital contribution of the young people whose ideas, energy, and determination are driving progress towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world.
This year's theme, different context, common aspirations, reflects a simple but powerful truth. While the young people's lives are shaped by diverse local realities, their aspirations for dignity, opportunity, participation, and sustainable future are also shared across the borders. Many young people continue to face barriers to education, employment, digital connectivity and opportunity. Yet, we also see a generation that is innovating, adapting, and leading change in the communities around the world.
This year's observance highlights three priorities.
First, global solidarity. Expanding opportunities for young people requires a stronger international cooperation, investment, and partnerships.
Second, shared challenges. Issues such as inequality, climate change, education, employment, digital access, and mental health transcend borders and demand collective solutions.
Third, use innovation. Across the all regions, young people are developing climate solutions, building businesses, and using technology to strengthen the layer communities.
The 2025 world summit for social development in Doha reaffirmed the importance of the inclusive people centered development. As we build on that commitment, we must continue investing in young people and creating the conditions for them to succeed through its work that on sustainable development, social inclusion and youth employment. My department at the UN Desert remains committed to supporting young people and expanding opportunities for them to thrive. Young people are not waiting for change.
They are leading changes. Our responsibility is to ensure that they have the opportunities, resources, and support they need to shape a better future for all. Thank you.
The United Nations will commemorate International Youth Day 2026 on 12 August through an online campaign inviting young people worldwide to share messages of hope, support, and collaboration, with particular attention to youth living in LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS. The observance provides a platform for governments, youth organizations, United Nations entities, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and showcase youth-led initiatives that contribute to more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies.You can read the full concept note andRegister to participate!
This celebration of youth convenes hundreds of young people from around the world who are eager to make the world a better place. Hosted at the United Nations World Health Organization, young people, dignitaries, leaders, educators, activists and champions of sustainable development are gathering to explore the theme of “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” Watch the celebration of International Youth Day 2026: Different Contexts, Common Aspirations organized by the UNITAR
COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: In support of the 2026 theme, DESA is preparing a set of products to amplify youth voices and inspire action at all level. These products are available in a Trello Board and include:Digital cards designed for dissemination by youth networks, Member States, and UN agencies to increase outreach and engagement
Infographic that brings together key facts, insights, key messages and initiatives.
Everyone has a role to play in supporting young people and creating opportunities that allow them to thrive. Join the conversation with the hashtag: #YouthDay by participating in International Youth Day activities, sharing youth-led initiatives, engaging with the digital solidarity campaign, and using your platforms to amplify young voices and promote inclusive, sustainable development. Together, we can recognize that while young people live in different contexts, they share common aspirations—and that achieving those aspirations requires collective action and global solidarity.
