image

International Youth Day

About International Youth Day

Facebook IconLinkedIN Icon

When is International Youth Day

August 12 marks the annual celebration of International Youth Day as an awareness day, designated by the United Nations (UN). The first Youth Day was observed in 1999 after the UN General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution accepting the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon. 
 
Why is International Youth Day celebrated?
 
This day is dedicated to the role young women and men play in bringing change in tackling global issues and achieving sustainable development. It also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world's youth.
 
On International Youth Day, workshops, concerts, conferences, cultural events, seminars and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organisations take place around the world. 
 
The theme and slogan for this day also change every year to cover a range of issues that affect young people today. In 2016, 'Youth Leading Sustainability' was the theme, in 2017, ‘Youth Building peace’ was celebrated, in 2018, ‘Safe Spaces for Youth’ was chosen as a theme. In 2019, the theme of International Youth Day is ‘Transforming education’, highlighting efforts to make education more relevant, equitable and inclusive for all youth. 
 
International Youth Day emphasises on the rights of young people to have full access to education, healthcare, employment, monetary services and complete participation in public life.
 
International Youth Day recognises and celebrates the contributions of young volunteers and activists who are pushing for positive change around the world as youngsters serve as catalysts for peace and prosperity, not only in their local communities but on the global stage.
 
Today's generation of youth is the largest in history, with more than three billion young people under the age of 30. Being half of the world's inhabitants, a healthy youth generation has an unmatched potential to contribute towards the betterment of our society.
 

Here are the latest news from Business Standard

Latest News

How many Bangladeshis cricketers are set to participate in IPL 2026?

While seven Bangladesh players were included in the auction list, only Mustafizur Rahman attracted the attention of a franchise.

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 9:53 AM IST

Zomato CEO defends gig model, highlights 10.9% pay raise, job flexibility

Goyal explained that Zomato gig workers earn a steady income, get welfare support, have flexible schedules, and are not pressured by 10-minute delivery promises, countering claims of exploitation

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 9:52 AM IST

Controversy erupts as J&K cricketer wears helmet with Palestinian flag

According to official sources, the player, identified as Furqan Ul Haq from South Kashmir, was participating in a match at K C Door, Muthi, located on the outskirts of Jammu city.

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 9:24 AM IST

Delhi AQI today: Air quality improves to 'poor'; Grap III curbs lifted

Air quality in Delhi improved slightly with AQI improving to 'poor' and prompting CAQM to ease some curbs. However, fog and low visibility are expected to cause some travel disruptions

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 9:10 AM IST

RSS no paramilitary group, can't be understood by looking at BJP: Bhagwat

Bhagwat said that despite wearing uniforms, marching, and doing stick exercises, it would be wrong to view the Sangh as a paramilitary group, calling it a unique organisation

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 9:01 AM IST

Disrupted New Year Eve attack plan inspired by Islamic State group: FBI

The alleged attack would have taken place one year after 14 people were killed in New Orleans by a US citizen and Army veteran who proclaimed support for IS on social media

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 8:06 AM IST

Gold price climbs ₹10 to ₹1,36,210; silver rises ₹100, trades at ₹2,42,100

The price of 22-carat gold increased by ₹10, with ten grams of the yellow metal selling at ₹1,24,860

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 8:05 AM IST

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani begins term by revoking Adam's executive orders

Among revoked orders was one barring city officials from procurement practices 'that discriminate against the State of Israel, Israeli citizens, or those associated with Israel'

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 8:04 AM IST

US Coast Guard search for survivors after attacks on alleged drug boat

The Coast Guard dispatched a plane from Sacramento to search an area covering more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres), while issuing an urgent warning to ships nearby

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 7:56 AM IST

More oil tankers turn away from Venezuela amid US threat to seize vessels

As part of Trump's pressure campaign, US forces have launched strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats that have killed more than 100 people, and seized two oil tankers

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 7:55 AM IST

Trump orders divestment in $2.9 mn chips deal citing US security concerns

The deal involved Emcore Corp selling its computer chips and wafer fabrication operations to HieFo for $2.92 million a price that included the assumption of about $1 million in liabilities

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 7:48 AM IST

Yemen separatists announce constitution for independent southern state

Last month, STC-linked fighters seized control of two southern provinces from Saudi-backed forces and took over the Presidential Palace in the south's main city, Aden

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 7:45 AM IST

Bangladesh's Inqilab Moncho to hold 'March for Justice' for Osman Hadi

The organisation said its members will reach out to the government, political parties and people in remote areas to seek support in ensuring justice

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 7:34 AM IST

BJP, Shiv Sena part ways for Pune civic polls after seat-sharing talks fail

Earlier, CM Devendra Fadnavis said BJP would contest all 29 civic bodies with Shiv Sena, but for Pune the party offered just 16 of 165 seats, a proposal rejected by Sena's local unit

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 7:29 AM IST

At least 2 killed as earthquake of magnitude 6.5 hits Mexico's Guerrero

US Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers, 4 kilometers north-northwest of Rancho Viejo, Guerrero, which is in mountains about 91 kilometers northeast of Acapulco

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 7:16 AM IST

Weather update: Cold wave, dense fog grip north India as winter intensifies

Severe winter conditions intensify as IMD issues cold wave and dense fog alerts for several states, warning of low visibility, colder nights and disruptions to road, rail and air travel

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 7:06 AM IST

Marico expects high single-digit volume growth in Q3 India business

FMCG major Marico said its domestic business is expected to post high single-digit volume growth in the October-December quarter, with consolidated revenue growth in the high twenties

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 12:25 AM IST

FPIs purchase ₹7,524 crore of debt, highest single day in 7 months

Foreign portfolio investors recorded their highest single-day debt inflow in seven months on January 1, even as they exited FAR securities in December amid rupee weakness

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 12:21 AM IST

Best of BS Opinion: Reading the signs in politics, brands, and media

Here are the best of Business Standard's opinion pieces for today

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 6:17 AM IST

How 1985-95 still stands out as the most consequential decade in India

You'd think the decade of 1985-95 is long over. Not really. The issues that erupted in that decade are still shaping Indian conversations

Updated On: 03 Jan 2026 | 9:30 AM IST