International Youth Day 2023: History, significance, theme and more
International Youth Day 2023: International Youth Day is observed every year on August 12 to increase understanding of the obstacles and concerns encountered by young individuals across the world and to advocate for their untapped capabilities.
The significance of International Youth Day 2023 stems from its recognition of the critical role that youth play as the world's foundation. Their zeal, adaptability, and unwavering dedication have the potential to spark beneficial reforms on a global scale as well as inside local communities.
"Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom” - Nelson Mandela
The United Nations declared the day as International Youth Day in 1999 after the General Assembly supported the recommendation of the 'World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth.' As a result, it is commemorated every year to highlight the importance of youth as the driving force of change in the globe.
International Youth Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges and issues that young people face, as well as to encourage their active participation in social, economic, and political processes, while also providing a forum for governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to discuss and address the needs, concerns, and aspirations of young people.
The day also promotes intercultural and intergenerational dialogue in order to foster understanding and collaboration among different age groups, but it primarily aims to emphasize the importance of investing in young people's well-being, education, and participation in shaping the future of their communities and the world at large.
The theme of International Youth Day changes each year and focuses on different areas of youth development and empowerment, such as 'Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World' in 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," the UN said.
“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.”
Workshops, seminars, panel discussions, performances, and campaigns focused on spotlighting youth-related issues such as education, employment, mental health, civic involvement, and social justice are common on International Youth Day.
- With inputs from agencies
