International Youth Day: When it is and how to celebrate
There are over 2.2 billion children living on the planet today. Children around the world who face social and environmental perils in their future.
These children are also doing amazing things to make their own futures brighter. International Youth Day gives them a chance to have even more impact on their futures.
What is International Youth Day?
International Youth Day is a day that was designated by the United Nations as an awareness day. It highlights legal and cultural challenges facing youths in all countries today.
The United Nations also created the day to make time for governments and other entities to bring attention to issues that affect youth worldwide.
On this day, events are held including workshops and conferences. It also includes concerts and cultural celebrations.
International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12. Each year, there is a different theme and slogan for the day. These themes change in order to help cover facets of the many issues that face youth.
The History of International Youth Day
The road to the current International Youth Day has been more than 55 years in the making.
It is the result of years of resolutions passed by the United Nations. These resolutions were to bring awareness to the international challenges faced by youth.
In 1965, the United Nations passed a resolution. It endorsed the “Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples.”
This resolution was the first of many that would lead to the creation of International Youth Day.
In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly declared that 1985 would be the International Youth Year. This resolution focused on participation, development, and peace.
Then in 1985, the Assembly passed another resolution that added guidelines that focused on the subgroups of youth. These included rural and urban youth. It also included young women and youth with disabilities.
Finally, in 1999 the United Nations adopted Resolution 54/120 officially creating International Youth Day.
How brands have celebrated International Youth Day
In the age of social media, #YouthDay has been used to raise awareness about the day and the efforts of the United Nations.
The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) funding recipient Khaya Madiba is the owner of East London-based Sakhe Engineering and Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd.
This #YouthDay, we profile this young entrepreneur who employs 35 people.
Read more here: https://t.co/pfrq7qnjEIpic.twitter.com/5XnOvAqgnq
— Department of Small Business Development (@DSBD_SA) June 29, 2022
Both individuals and companies have used various tactics to participate in this promotion.
The organization FoodTank used the hashtag to promote International Youth Day on its social media and in blog posts.
These highlighted many of the food organizations around the world that work with youth and food sustainability.
Nestle
The company Nestle uses the campaign “Nestle Needs YOUth” to highlight programs such as Enhancing Employment in the Middle East. This program focuses on strengthening the employability of youth in that area.
.@Nestle & #All4YOUth companie will provide 230,000 opportunities for #YOUth by 2020! #Youthday#ApprenEU@EU_Social@ilo@AdeccoGrouppic.twitter.com/oslU9GJaxu
— Nestlé Europe (@NestleEU) August 12, 2017
UNICEF USA
UNICEF USA celebrates International Youth Day by highlighting stories of inspiration from youth from around the world.
“Only education will make us stronger.” Wa’ed, 16, attends a UNICEF-supported school and training centre in a refugee camp in Jordan.
This #YouthDay, and every day, we’re building hope and opportunity for young people around the world. #GenUnlimitedpic.twitter.com/76b5BTCpSZ
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) August 12, 2019
Greyhound
Greyhound runs a social media campaign highlighting a competition to honor youth. It has a prize of two round-trip tickets to celebrate International Youth Day.
Happy Youth Day! 🙌
“Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future. Those who abuse them tear the fabric of our society and weaken our nation.” Nelson Mandela 🙏#HappyYouthDay#June16#YouthDay2022#Greyhound#HalalaGreyhound#LuxuryTravel#Travelpic.twitter.com/lhLxo6CyDC
— Greyhound (@GreyhoundRSA) June 16, 2022
Paper Trail Literary Journal
Paper Trail Literary Journal harnessed the power of the #Youthday to inspire young creators. Youth are encouraged to send in artwork. Their art is to tell the story of what it means to be a youth in the world today.
You-Get-It Frozen Yogurt
You-Get-It frozen yogurt leveraged the power of #Youthday. They connect with their clientele through a campaign to celebrate International Youth Day.
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FAQ
What is International Youth Day?
International Youth Day is a day designated by the United Nations as an awareness day. It highlights legal and cultural challenges facing youths in all countries today.
It was created after a series of resolutions focusing on the global challenges facing youth.
When is International Youth Day?
International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12.
Why is International Youth Day celebrated?
International Youth Day was created to celebrate the role of young people in bringing positive change to global issues. The day is also a chance to raise awareness of the global challenges that the world’s youth face.
International Youth Day history includes a series of resolutions set by the United Nations. It became an officially recognized day in 1999.
How is International Youth Day celebrated?
International Youth Day is observed with many activities. These include a variety of seminars and conferences. It also includes cultural events such as concerts.
Each year there is a different theme and slogan for the day. These themes change in order to help cover facets of the many issues that face youth today.
In 2019, the theme was “Transforming Education,” focusing efforts on making education more accessible for youths across the globe.
In 2020, the theme was “Youth Engagement for Global Action,” focusing on ways to engage young people at the local, national and global levels.
And in 2021, the theme was “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health,” focusing on the global effort for sustainable food systems.
What is the International Youth Day hashtag?
The hashtag used in social media to help promote International Youth Day is #YouthDay.
It has been used by individuals and groups to help spread awareness about the day across multiple social media platforms.