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.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on International Youth Day 2023; August 12th.

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:

Statement from UN DESA Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua on International Youth Day 2023; August 12th.

EVENTS: Virtual celebration of the International Youth Day 2013 will be held on August 12th at UNHQ. 

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.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: 5 Things To Know About Green Skills For Youth.

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.

World Youth Skills Day 2015, July 15th.

世界青年技能日, 7月15日.
 Всемирный день молодежи Навыки, 15 июля.
World Youth Skills Day , 15 July.
 Día Mundial de las Habilidades de la Juventud, 15 de Julio.
Journée mondiale des compétences des jeunes,15 juillet.

مهارات اليوم العالمي للشباب، 15 يوليو

Secretary-General Poses for Selfie at Event in Brussels with a group of young people.Credit :UN Photo (Evan Schneider)

United Nations Secretary-General Message for the World Youth Skills Day 2015.

I welcome this first-ever commemoration of World Youth Skills Day. On July 15th each year, the international community will underscore the value of helping young people to upgrade their own abilities to contribute to our common future.
While overall more young people have greater educational opportunities than in the past, there are still some 75 million adolescents who are out of school, denied the quality education they deserve and unable to acquire the skills they need.
We may see an understandably frustrated youth population – but that picture is incomplete. With the right skills, these young people are exactly the force we need to drive progress across the global agenda and build more inclusive and vibrant societies.
Skills development reduces poverty and better equips young people to find decent jobs. It triggers a process of empowerment and self-esteem that benefits everyone. And it strengthens youth capacity to help address the many challenges facing society, moving us closer to ending poverty hunger, injustice and environmental degradation.
On this Day, I call for investing politically and financially in developing the skills of young people so that they can help build a more just and sustainable future for all.

Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement by the President of the 69th session of the General Assembly for the World Youth Skills Day 2015.

Delivered by H.E. Maria Cristina Perceval, Permanent Representative Argentina, on behalf of President Kutesa

Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of His Excellency, Sam K. Kutesa, President of the 69th session of the General Assembly.
Excellencies,
Today, we have gathered for the first time to mark World Youth Skills Day. This event is indeed timely, as this year we have been presented a critical opportunity to create a better future for people and the planet.
This September, we will gather in New York to adopt an ambitious and transformative post-2015 development agenda. This week leaders are also meeting in Addis Ababa to put in place adequate means of implementation for the future development framework. Furthermore, in December, we will gather in Paris to adopt a new, universally-binding climate change agreement.
As we pursue efforts to promote sustainable development while also seeking to protect the well-being of the planet, considerations for the needs and aspirations of the youth should be taken into account.
Excellencies,
The issues affecting youth are also taking centre stage in other fora this year including as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY). In an event marking that milestone last May, many participants noted the important strides made in addressing youth development over the last two decades, although many challenges remain, including access to education and unemployment.
The High-level Event on the “Demographic Dividend and Youth Employment”, which I convened last month, provided another occasion to explore the many challenge and opportunities facing today’s youth. Throughout that event, special emphasis was put on human capital development, with specific calls to provide young people with quality education, training and skills development.
Beyond educational, entrepreneurial and vocational skills, there is also a need to enhance the core skills of the youth, including, interpersonal skills, innovation, creativity, values and attitudes all of which will help foster a generation of young people that contributes to the well-being of their homes, their communities, as well as their workplaces.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we mark this first World Youth Skills Day, we are afforded an opportunity to reflect on the important role of young people around the world and identify ways to maximize their potential.
Indeed, the youth are no longer just the leaders of tomorrow, but are valued partners today as we seek to put the world on a course toward a better, more sustainable future.
I thank you.

 Maria Cristina Perceval, Permanent Representative Argentina

Did you know... 

With the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and UNESCO’s Education for All (EFA) campaign coming to their term in 2015, more young people than ever around the world have gained access to education. This has sparked career expectations and raised hopes for a better future in many young people. Education, skills and jobs are rated high in people’s priorities for development: in the global My World 2015 Survey, young people up to the age of 30 across all regions and education levels rated education as their number one priority, with better job opportunities being the third priority. Yet globally,

• youth represent 25% of the total working age population but make up 40% of the unemployed (ILO, FAO, 2013).
• almost 74 million young people (aged 15 to 24) were looking for work in 2014 (ILO, 2015).
• two thirds of youth in developing economies are without work, not studying, or engaged in irregular or informal employment (UNDP, 2014).
• never before have there been so many young people on the planet: 1.8 billion people are aged 10 to 24 (UNFPA, 2014).
• the working-age population is poised to more than double in the least-developed countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2015 and 2050 (UNFPA, 2014).
• the youth unemployment situation is common to all regions in the world and is happening despite improvements in average educational attainment (ILO, 2015).

Never again is there likely to be such potential for economic and social progress. How we meet the needs and aspirations of young people will define our common future. Skilling people through relevant and good-quality vocational education is seen as a factor that can really make a difference in the global youth employment crisis. Yet weak governance structures are key factors holding back the increase of employment opportunities for youth and the sustainable development of countries and economies.

 EVENTS :  World Youth Skills Day  Save the date!!


WYSD Event in Bonn

 The United Nations in Bonn will observe the first World Youth Skills Day together with guests from Bonn University, WorldSkills competitors and UN Bonn staff with a panel discussion on “Youth skills for work and life in the post-2015 agenda”.
•When : 15 July 2015
•What time: 16:00
•Where : UN Campus Bonn

World Youth Skills Day 2015

 To raise awareness on the importance of investing in youth skills development, the United Nations General Assembly has decided to celebrate the first World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) on 15 July 2015.  #WYSD2015 – spread the word! Join us in celebrating the first-ever World Youth Skills Day on 15 July 2015!   #WYSD at the United Nations in Bonn

WYSD celebrations coincide with an important year of setting the agenda for the future: a new climate agreement, and the adoption of the Sustainable Development goals are just around the corner. That is why this year’s theme is “Youth skills for work and life in the post-2015 agenda”.

WYSD is in line with the upcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, which propose two goals on education and skills for employment:

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.  Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

In this context, the UN is organizing several events at UN offices in Bonn (Germany), New York (USA), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and elsewhere.  

Publications :

• Global Forum on Skills for work and life: post 2015
• Global Employment Trends for Youth 2013

External Links :

• Youth Employment
• Skills for Youth Employment
• The World Bank - Youth Employment
• UNESCO International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training

International Youth Day 2014, August 12th.

International Youth Day,  12 August.

Journée internationale de la jeunesse, 12 Août.

Día Internacional de la Juventud, 12 de Agusto.

Международного дня молодежи, 12 августа.

国际青年日, 8月12日.

 اليوم الدولي للشباب - 12 أغسطس

 

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

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for the International Youth Day 2014.

 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”

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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

 Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of International Youth Day,12 August 2014.

ǀ Français ǀ Español ǀ Русский ǀ العربية ǀ 中文 (pdf)

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.

International Youth Day 2014, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) - Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

 

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.

 

International Youth Day 2014
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.

2. Capacity development for the transition to adulthood.

Axis 2 - Capacity development for the transition to adulthood - UNESCO Operational  Strategy on Youth 2014-2021.

3. Civic engagement and democratic participation and social innovation.

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

International Youth Day - August 12

“Today's generation of youth – the largest the world has ever known, and the vast majority of whom live in developing countries – has unprecedented potential to advance the well-being of the entire human family,” Mr. Ban said in a message for the Day, which falls on 12 August.

International Youth Day - August 12

International Youth Day
 
The United Nations has long recognized that the imagination, ideals and energies of young women and men are vital for the continuing development of the societies in which they live. In 1985 the UN General Assembly observed the International Youth Year: : Participation, Development and Peace. It drew international attention to the important role young people play in the world, and, in particular, their potential contribution to development and the goals of the United Nations Charter.

Every year after that, the International Youth Day has been celebrated to:
1. Enhance awareness of the global situation of youth and increase recognition of the rights and aspirations of youth
2. Promote national youth policies, national youth coordinating mechanisms and national youth programs of action as integral parts of social and economic development, in cooperation with both governmental and non-governmental organizations
3. Strengthen the participation of youth in decision-making processes at all levels in order to increase their impact on national development and international cooperation.

For more information, visit http://www.hrea.org

The Youth of the World
International Youth Day is a day to stand out and be counted as passionate and energetic youth that are creating a better world for all. It’s an opportunity to remind key decision-makers and influential persons of the key role young global citizens play in affecting global change. International Youth Day is a day for the youth of the world to approach and rally support from governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and other young people to strengthen your ability to tackle poverty together. IYD is a day to take practical action to further encourage the empowerment of youth in their communities.

Some of the issues that the youth of today faces and needs to address are:
• Education
• Employment
• Hunger and Poverty
• Health
• Environment
• Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug use

All these and more are a constant growing concern for the youth of the world and is what NGOs the world over are trying to improve on.

For more information, visit http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca

Taking Part
Celebrating International Youth Day is an opportunity to tackle issues and bring into light the problems our youth faces in today’s world. The world over students and NGOs plan some sort of activity which focuses on various aspects of this crisis which in turn leads to better decision. Some of the ways in which you can celebrate International Youth Day are:

• Team up! It is a great opportunity to rally support and get key actors involved - Governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and young people - to focus on what has been done to further the cause
• Organize! Hold forums, public discussions and information campaigns in support of young people focusing on youth issues and how they can be addressed.
• Celebrate! Plan and organize performances everywhere to showcase - and celebrate – the fact that youth contribute to the societies in which they live. Convene exchanges and dialogues focusing on the rich and varied skills, interests and aspirations of young people.
• Take action! A major focus of the Day is practical action to further encourage the empowerment and participation of youth in the processes and decisions that affect their lives.
• Media! The media especially has an important role to play in support of the observance of the Day to promote public awareness of youth issues and to run programs that reflect on them.

For more information, visit http://www.un.org

International Youth Day in Pakistan
In a third world country where avenues are available less and less, and inadequate facilities do not nurture or groom the youth of today, many adverse effects on the society are visible. The main concern about the youth population is their inclination towards activities which do not help in building their character. Since the youth has been deprived of opportunities and lack awareness, they tend to shift away from their aims and objectives. In Pakistan however International Youth Day is celebrated but on a rather mute note.
Youth day is an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention toward youth issues worldwide. Concerts, workshops, cultural events and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organizations would take place around the world.

Other activities include seminars promoting the world's youth, as well as various sporting events, parades and mobile exhibitions that showcase young people's achievements. IYD is aimed to recognize efforts of the world's youth in enhancing global society and promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities. The UN defines the worlds' youth as the age group between 15 and 24 years old, making up one-sixth of the human population.

The idea for International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 by young people who were gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the UN's World Youth Forum. The forum recommended that an International Youth Day be declared, especially for fundraising and promotional purposes, to support the United Nations Youth Fund in partnership with youth organizations.

The other activities to be carried out on this special day include tree plantation and an exhibition to recognize youth participation in sustainable development of the country.

For more information, visit http://www.nation.com.pk for more news  

Situation in Pakistan
It is a great tragedy that the vast amounts of youth energies have never been put to proper use. They have not been given any participation in any sphere of life. They have never made partners in the development of the country. Young people are experiencing isolation, vulnerability, powerlessness and idleness.

Their disadvantages derive them from lack of access to interrelated dimensions, such as:
• Economic (assets leading to income generation).
• Social (access to information, social capital, free-time activities, cultural expression, educational opportunities, care and mentoring in youth friendly venues).
• Participation in decision making (empowerment, governance).

On this basis, it appears that youth inclusion policies would be more effective if these different dimensions are combined, rather than having fragmented sectoral interventions. Institutional neglect and cultural biases constitute major barriers that prevent youth access to the above-indicated assets.
The youth of Pakistan are caught in a multitude of problems like unemployment, poverty, remorselessness, social taboos, drugs, guns and politics. It is unfortunate that the youth are trapped in a culture marked by guns, violence and drugs. All this has resulted in an unstable economy, a shattered confidence of foreign investors, lawlessness and a break-up of the social fabric.

The costs of neglecting youth can be measured in terms of increasing incidences of crimes, terrorist activities and depletion of human and social capital. There is a loss of economic growth possibilities, which will only increase as this large cohort ages and is without experience in the work force.

For more information, visit http://www.pnys.com

Lack of engagement and lack of connection makes it less likely that young people will contribute and become self-sufficient adults. This is threatening our progress. Therefore in order to ensure a good future in Pakistan, it is absolutely vital that the role of the youth population be enhanced and they should be given more opportunities which will help them to grow as great individuals who support the country rather than hinder its growth.