International Youth Day, celebrated every year on August 12, is a day dedicated to recognizing and promoting the importance of young people in building a better future. This commemoration, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, not only highlights the significant contributions of young people to their communities and the world, but also highlights the challenges they face and the opportunities they can seize to develop their potential.
Youth, defined by the UN as the group of people between 15 and 24 years of age, represent a substantial part of the world's population. In 2020, it was estimated that there were 1.2 billion young people on the planet, equivalent to 16% of the global population. This generation, which has grown up in a world of rapid technological and social change, has the power and responsibility to shape the future.
History and Meaning of International Youth Day
International Youth Day was officially proclaimed on December 17, 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly, following the recommendations of the World Conference of Youth Ministers, which was held in Lisbon in August 1998. The first celebration took place in 2000, and since then, each year a specific theme is chosen to focus attention on particular areas of concern and action for young people.
The main objective of this day is to promote the role of youth as essential partners in change and raise awareness about the challenges and problems they face. Each year, International Youth Day celebrations include events such as conferences, debates and campaigns that address issues from education and employment to mental health and social inclusion.
Annual Topics and Their Relevance
Each year, International Youth Day has a specific theme that reflects current concerns and priorities. Some of the recent topics have been:
2020 : "Youth Engagement for Global Action" - This theme highlighted the importance of youth engagement at local, national and global levels to bring about meaningful and lasting change.
2019 : "Transforming education" - Focused on the need to make education more inclusive and accessible for all young people, highlighting the importance of equal opportunities in education.
2018 : "Safe spaces for young people" - This theme highlighted the importance of providing safe environments where young people can express themselves freely, participate in activities related to decision-making and explore various opportunities.
These themes not only reflect contemporary concerns, but also guide governments, organizations and communities to focus their efforts on areas critical for youth development.
Challenges Faced by Young People Today
Despite their potential and energy, today's youth face numerous challenges that can hinder their development and full participation in society. Some of the most pressing include:
1. Unemployment and Underemployment
Youth unemployment is one of the most urgent problems globally. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the youth unemployment rate is significantly higher than that of adults. Furthermore, many young people who are employed often find themselves in informal or precarious jobs that do not offer job security or social benefits.
2. Access to Education
Although there has been significant progress in access to primary and secondary education, there are still significant barriers to quality education, especially in developing regions. Higher education remains inaccessible to many young people due to economic, geographic and social factors.
3. Mental Health
Mental health is a growing concern among young people. Academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, and social media influences contribute to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Without adequate support, these issues can have long-term consequences on young people's lives.
4. Political and Social Participation
Although young people have a great interest in political and social issues, they often feel excluded from decision-making processes. Lack of representation and opportunities to influence policies that directly affect them can lead to apathy and disillusionment.
5. Discrimination and Social Exclusion
Many young people face discrimination and exclusion due to their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or other factors. This discrimination can limit your opportunities and affect your overall well-being.
Opportunities for Youth Empowerment
Despite these challenges, there are numerous opportunities to empower young people and enable them to achieve their full potential. Some of the most effective strategies and approaches include:
1. Education and Training
Providing access to quality education and training opportunities is essential for the development of young people. This includes not only formal education, but also vocational training and learning soft skills that are essential in the modern labor market.
2. Youth Employment Programs
Specific youth employment programs can help young people gain work experience and practical skills. Initiatives such as internships, mentoring programs, and youth entrepreneurship support are crucial to easing the transition from school to work.
3. Mental Health Support
It is essential to address mental health issues among young people by creating high-quality, accessible services. Awareness, advice and support programs can make a big difference to the wellbeing of young people.
4. Encourage Youth Participation
Encouraging the participation of young people in political and social life is vital to building inclusive societies. This can be achieved by creating platforms for youth voice, including youth in decision-making processes and promoting youth leadership.
5. Fight Discrimination
Combating discrimination and promoting social inclusion are essential steps to ensure that all young people have equal opportunities. This involves implementing policies that protect the rights of young people and promoting a culture of respect and diversity.
Examples of Successful Initiatives
Over the years, numerous initiatives have proven effective in empowering youth. Here are some notable examples:
1. YouthBuild
YouthBuild is an international program that provides youth with opportunities to develop job skills and earn a high school diploma while working on construction projects that benefit their communities. This initiative not only improves the employment prospects of young people, but also strengthens local communities.
2. Youth Mentoring
Mentoring programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters have had a positive impact on the lives of many young people. These programs pair youth with adult mentors who provide guidance, support, and a positive role model.
3. Youth Entrepreneurship Initiatives
Organizations like Junior Achievement offer entrepreneurship programs that help young people develop business skills and launch their own businesses. These initiatives encourage entrepreneurship and innovation among young people.
4. Youth Participation Platforms
Platforms such as the United Nations Youth Assembly enable young people around the world to participate in global debates and contribute to policy-making. These platforms give young people a voice and allow them to influence decisions that affect their future.
The Role of the United Nations and other International Organizations
The United Nations and other international organizations play a crucial role in supporting and promoting youth. Through various agencies and programmes, the UN works to address the challenges faced by young people and promote their development.
1. United Nations Youth Program
The United Nations Youth Program is dedicated to strengthening youth participation and supporting young people in key areas such as education, employment and health. This program works in collaboration with governments, NGOs and other entities to implement effective policies and programs.
2. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
UNFPA focuses on promoting the reproductive health and rights of young people. Its programs include comprehensive sexuality education, access to reproductive health services, and awareness campaigns on gender equality and violence prevention.
3. International Labor Organization (ILO)
The ILO implements initiatives to combat youth unemployment and improve the working conditions of young people. This includes training programs, support for entrepreneurship and promotion of inclusive labor policies.
Looking to the future, it is evident that young people will continue to be a driving force in society. To fully realize their potential, it is essential that governments, organizations and communities work together to create an environment that supports their development and participation.
1. Innovation and Technology
Young people are digital natives who can take advantage of emerging technologies to innovate and solve global problems. Supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and providing access to technology are crucial steps in empowering the next generation of technology leaders.
2. Youth Leadership
Fostering youth leadership is essential to building inclusive and resilient societies. Programs that develop leadership skills and offer opportunities for civic participation can empower young people to take active roles in their communities.
3. Sustainability and Climate Change
Young people are at the forefront of the movement for sustainability and climate action. Engaging them in environmental initiatives and climate policies is not only crucial to addressing the climate crisis, but also strengthens generational commitment to a sustainable future.
International Youth Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of young people and recognize the challenges they face. It is a reminder that young people are not only the future, but also the present, and that their voices, actions and ideas are essential to building a better world. By providing appropriate support, education and opportunities, we can empower young people to reach their full potential and contribute positively to global society.