Islamabad, 12 August 2022 (TDI): Today, the world is celebrating International Youth Day (IYD). Every year on August 12, International Youth Day is observed.
Stronger intergenerational solidarity is essential to recovery efforts. 💪 We must leverage the full potential of all generations for our brightest future.
📣 #YouthDay is 12 August! https://t.co/Gv8xRvpeJb @UNDESA pic.twitter.com/o8zlHV8leb
— UNYouth (@UN4Youth) August 11, 2022
Firstly, the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth made the recommendation to observe International Youth Day on 12 August. Moreover, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) also endorsed this recommendation in 1999.
Furthermore, the General Assembly made a recommendation to organize different activities on International Youth Day. In addition, the purpose of the activities is to spread awareness about the World Programme of Action for Youth.
Therefore, International Youth Day was first time observed on 12 August 2000. Since then, the world observes International Youth Day every year with a different theme.
Also, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a special message on International Youth Day 2022. He stated that;
“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.”
Complete Message by the UN Secretary-General
“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.”
It’s not enough to listen to young people — we need to integrate them into decision-making mechanisms at all levels.
This #YouthDay, let’s unite across generations to break down barriers, and work toward a more equitable, just & inclusive world for all people. pic.twitter.com/4FfqeHx9eV
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 12, 2022
“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.”
