"The young generation can influence their elders and can make them understand the environmental problems that are faced by us today. The youth can make them see that our environment is deteriorating day by day."
— Chief Oren Lyons
International Youth Day is observed on August 12 every year and people celebrate it with full fervour. In the year 1999, the United Nations (UN) decided to commemorate International Youth Day every year on August 12 which was based on a recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon to the UN General Assembly.
The first International Youth Day was observed on 12 August, 2000. It was based on a recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon to the UN General Assembly. The International Youth Day is celebrated through various awareness campaigns, community concerts, and events to bring to notice the socio-economic and socio-political issues that the youth in every nation face.
International Youth Day History
In 1965 the United Nations General Assembly began making a concerted effort to impact the youth. They endorsed the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples. They began devoting time and resources to empower the youth by recognizing up-and-coming leaders and offering them resources to meet the needs of the world.
International Youth Day was first proposed in 1991 at the first session of the World Youth Forum of the United Nations System. In 1998, the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth hosted by the Government of Portugal in cooperation with the United Nations considered 12 August as International Youth Day. On December 17, 1999, the UN General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, and International Youth Day was formed. It was first celebrated on August 12, 2000, and ever since the day has been used to educate society. Mobilize the youth in politics, and manage resources to address global problems.
International Youth Day 2021 Theme
Each year, UN decides a theme that is relevant to all global communities and citizens. This year's theme is "Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health".
According to the United Nations, this year's theme highlights the crucial need for "inclusive support mechanisms that ensure youth continue to amplify efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems."
Along with this, other challenges — climate change, healthcare, social inclusion, and conservation of biodiversity — will also be addressed.
Significance
The day is significant as youth are the most dynamic segment of the population in a country. The growth of the nation lies in the large youth population. This will provide the nation to invest in their education, health, protect and guarantee their rights.
Apart from developing countries, the youth from the third world countries to date fight for basic amenities like health, education, and employment. The International Youth Day provides a platform for these younger people to discuss relevant issues and suggest plans for the coming days. Due to the ongoing pandemic, youth across the world will be organising discussions, debates, and talks virtually.
UN Secretary-General's message for International Youth Day 2021
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that youngsters were on the "frontlines of the struggle to build a better future for all". In a video message, he said that the highlight of this year's International Youth Day will be on "solutions developed by young innovators to address challenges to our food systems". Mr Guterres, however, added that "young people cannot do it on their own. They need allies to make sure they are engaged, included and understood." Before ending his message, he urged everyone "to guarantee young people a seat at the table as we build a world based on inclusive, fair, and sustainable development for all".
Quotes on International Youth Day
• "The Youth need to be enabled to become job generators from job seekers" – APJ Abdul Kalam.
• "Youth is the best time. The way in which you utilize this period will decide the nature of coming years that lie ahead of you" – Swami Vivekananda.
• "Young people recognize the big challenges that are coming up." – Barack Obama.
• "Young people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new projects than for settled business." – Francis Bacon.
• "We all benefit by having young people exposed to the 'way things are done' in a democratic society. Isn’t it time... to 'tap the power of youth?" – Hans Bernard
• "Everybody's youth is a dream, a form of chemical madness" – F. Scott Fitzgerald.
• “Youth involvement has moved forward. It is no longer seen as a rebellious act, the way it was a few decades ago.” – Maureen A. Sedonaen.
• "We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends." – Mary McLeod Bethune.
• "The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation." – Pearl S. Buck
• "Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die" – Herbert Hoover.
• "The young generation can influence their elders and can make them understand the environmental problems that are faced by us today. The youth can make them see that our environment is deteriorating day by day." – Chief Oren Lyons
• "That's where the future lies, in the youth of today." – Willie Stargell
• "The duty of youth is to challenge corruption." — Kurt Cobain
• "The youth is the hope of our future." – Jose Rizal
• "A few heart-whole, sincere, and energetic men and women can do more in a year than a mob in a century." – Swami Vivekananda
• “Good habits formed in youth make all the difference.” – Aristotle
• "Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom." – Nelson Mandela
Youth is the golden period to cherish a big dream full of passion and energy. Although, the period is also full of adventures yet they have to be looked for with the eyes open. It is the time when we can provide shape to our ideas for the economic development of society. By encouraging to take an active part in the dramas, projects, sports and others are pretty good ways to control excessive fantasy. Also, it is the time to move towards the destination which can be made possible through vocational awareness and critical study of individual differences.
You can check our other Special Day posts.
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