On 12 August, the world celebrates International Youth Day, dedicated to the power, potential and contributions of youth. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the problems young people deal with, make their voices heard, and invite them to take an active part in the creation of a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Why is International Youth Day celebrated?
The United Nations announced the International Youth Day in 2000 in order to attract the attention of the world to the problems faced by the youth. Young people with a population of more than 1.2 billion across the globe between the ages of 15 to 24 are the future leaders and agents of change in the current times. The creative and innovative mindset of youth can define climate change solutions, social justice, technology and global peace.
Role of Youth in Today’s world
Youth is the forefront of change, be it student-organized climate movements or locally-based social endeavors young people always bring some change. They have made challenges against injustice, brought digital technology forward, established social networks to ensure human rights and created awareness about various issues within a shorter time in recent years.
The place of the youth as the active citizens is very necessary as the world is stricken with complex problems, through environmental crisis, economic instability and social inequalities. More than anyone, they can be the change because of the way they look at the world and the way they approach it that is fresh and highly adaptive.
Challenges Faced by Youth
Even though the International Youth Day is a celebration, its existence also serves as a reminder of the challenges facing youths across the globe these challenges are:
- Unemployment: The youth faces the problem of unemployment because its skills are poor and opportunities are few.
- Mental Health issues: School and social pressure, economic insecurity, all of these factors have led to increased mental health issues.
- Denial of Education Opportunities: There is a denial of education opportunities in most regions due to poverty, gender inequality and conflict.
- The Effect of Climate Change: This is because the young generations are being left to inherit a planet that is already at strain and most of the time without much contribution towards policy-making.
- Digital Divide: There are some youths who do not have equal access to digital tools and resources even at a time when technology connects.
Celebration of Youth Day
On this day governments, organizations and communities initiate programs that can help in the employment of youth, training in leadership and other skills. Workshops and debates are arranged with schools, universities and NGOs that have mentorship programs and volunteer drives.
International Youth Day also encourages generational dialogue because young people have to be present at decision campaigns. Be it during a climate conference, planning action within a community, or creative business solutions, the engagement of youth can only create open and future-oriented solutions.
Ways to participate:
- Attend or Host Local Events: make a contribution in the community, skills or youth forums.
- Talk Out about the Causes you Believe In: You can promote a cause on social websites or via blogging.
- Become a Volunteer or Mentor: Supporting the younger generation or help local charities and NGOs.
- Educate and disseminate knowledge: Participate in the webinars, read on the youth problems and initiate discussions where you belong.
- Increase Mental Health Awareness: Bring mentally related talks into the open and open up the stigma of asking for assistance.
Conclusion
International Youth Day reminds us that changing and making tomorrow better is an activity we share. Societies should encourage the young generation to be in charge and listen to their voices. And youth must keep on learning, innovating and working to achieve equity and long-term sustainability.
Each youth is capable of changing the community, state and even the globe. Their potential, imagination and empathy will serve as the guiding light to an inclusive world and will anchor them in a fast changing world.
From this Youth Day, we should trust them, support them, and cooperate with them because, when the youth succeeds everyone wins.
