International Youth Day 2023: History, Significance, Quotes, and Interesting Facts 

International Youth Day 2023

International Youth Day is an annual observance held on August 12th to promote the welfare of the world's youth. The day was designated by the United Nations in 1999 with the adoption of Resolution 54/120.

The theme for International Youth Day 2023

The theme for International Youth Day 2023 is "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World." This theme highlights the importance of empowering young people with the skills they need to build a more sustainable future.

History of International Youth Day

The first International Youth Day was celebrated in 2000. The day was chosen to commemorate the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, which was held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1998. The conference adopted the Lisbon Declaration on Youth, which called for greater investment in youth and the recognition of their role in development.

Timeline of the history of International Youth Day:

Significance of International Youth Day

International Youth Day is significant because it provides a platform for young people to voice their concerns and make their contributions to society. The day also raises awareness of the challenges faced by young people, such as poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to education.

Quotes for International Youth Day

• "The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow." Nelson Mandela
• "We must invest in the youth because they are the future of our world." Kofi Annan
• "Young people are the most powerful force for change in the world." Malala Yousafzai

Interesting Fact about International Youth Day

Did you know that the population of young people (aged 15–24) is expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2030? This means that young people will make up a quarter of the world's population. This is why it is so important to invest in youth and empower them to make a difference in the world.

Did you know? The World of Youth and Future:

• Around half of all the people in the world are 30 years old or younger. This number is predicted to go up to 57% by the year 2030.

• When a survey was done, it found that 67% of people believe that things will get better in the future. Among young people aged 15 to 17, most of them feel very positive about this.

• Many people agree that the way age is balanced in politics is not right. More than two-thirds (which means about 69%) of people from different age groups think that giving more chances to young people to be part of making and changing policies would make politics better.

• On a global scale, only a tiny 2.6% of the people who work in parliaments (these are the places where laws are made) are under 30 years old. And it's even lower for young women – less than 1% of these young parliament members are female.(Source: Be Seen, Be Heard Campaign)

How to Celebrate International Youth Day

There are many ways to celebrate International Youth Day. Here are a few ideas:

• Attend a youth event or rally.
• Volunteer your time for a youth organization.
• Donate to a youth-focused charity.
• Educate yourself about the challenges facing young people.
• Use your voice to advocate for young people.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, International Youth Day is a day to recognize the importance of young people and to celebrate their potential to make a difference in the world.

Conclusion:

International Youth Day is a reminder that young people are not just the future but also active participants in shaping the present. The 2023 theme, "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World," emphasizes the potential of young individuals to drive positive change and contribute to the global effort of building a more sustainable and equitable world. As we celebrate this day, let us remember that investing in the well-being, education, and empowerment of youth is an investment in a brighter and more prosperous future for all.