International Youth Day

The International Youth Day is commemorated annually on 12 August, and it celebrates the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society. This day highlights the issues faced by young people to the international community, and also shares the success of any global effort that have been achieved with the meaningful participation of young people. On daily basis, young people and youth organisations are addressing issues and challenges that youth are facing on the basis of economic status, ethnic group, gender, and other characteristics.

With the world’s population expected to increase by 2 billion people in the next 30 years, it has become recognised by numerous stakeholders that we need to join forces in order to address today’s challenges. Some of those crucial challenges need to be addressed immediately, like: poverty reduction, social inclusion, health care, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. Moreover, despite the lack of research, young people continue to report age-related barriers in various spheres of their lives such as: employment, political participation, health, and justice.

Hence, the theme of the International Youth Day 2022 is ‘Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages’ and it highlights the importance of all generations working together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Now more than ever we have to collaborate and foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships. Today is also a celebration on the role of young women and men as essential partners in change for a sustainable future.

We, at the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), believe that direct and meaningful youth engagement in the decision making processes is crucial for the drafting, monitoring, implementing, and evaluating of all policies related to or made for youth and / or youth related issues. Proudly, for the past 73 years we have promoted youth leadership and participation at all levels, especially in our platforms, and we shall continue to encourage their full involvement in the development processes of their countries and also globally.

We also need to highlight the importance of education, as it aids young people to prepare themselves for challenges that they are going to face ahead. Additionally, on the occasion of the International Youth Day, we step up and call upon young people and our members to be informed, inclusive, and accessible, to and for local, national, regional, and global actions.

Today, around the world, a number of initiatives are being developed by young people to leverage their efforts in order to generate and deliver support to and for one another. Join us in celebrating youth, today and always, as they continue to improve our world through their voices, actions, and initiatives!