International Youth Day

The day which is celebrated each year aims to recognise the sterling contributions of young people across the world and to reflect on the continued efforts that need to be made to ensure that young people are provided with the support they require.

On December 17, 1999, the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 54/120, endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that August 12 be declared International Youth Day.

This year’s theme focuses on the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production, said a media release from the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC).

Sustainable consumption entails the use of products and services that meet the basic needs of communities while safeguarding the needs of future generations. The development and promotion of individual choices and actions that increase the eco-efficiency of consumption of all and minimise waste and pollution is critical to achieving equitable socio-economic development, the release said.

The CYC is calling on all citizens of the Commonwealth to observe the significance of International Youth Day and to provide a platform, as far as possible, to recognise that young people are not simply beneficiaries of development but also key partners that must be engaged.

The CYC is requesting “that the amazing work and strides of young people be publicised and celebrated, and that support be given to national youth councils and youth bodies as they roll out their activities.

“The CYC firmly believes that youth are not problems to be solved but rather solutions to be harnessed.”