The negative effects of unsustainable behaviour are not easily contained. As has been proven by the global crises in food, the economy and the environment, the concept of the global village has gone beyond being a useful analogy to being a hard reality, making clear the need to adopt a global sense of social responsibility.

With these things in mind, as the energizers of today and the holders of tomorrow, it is imperative that youth embrace the challenge of sustainability in its fullness as they help pave the way forward through the 21st century and beyond. Youth action, inclusion, and their full participation are key to developing today’s world for the generations of today and tomorrow and central to a sustainable existence.

What is happening around the world to mark the day *

Global Initiatives

Shoot Nations Photo Competition!
To commemorate the Day, young people (11 to 25) from all around the world can submit photographs and drawings to participate in a global photography competition "Shoot Nations". A selection of photographs will be presented to the United Nations and displayed at UN Headquarters from 3-14 August in commemoration of International Youth Day. For more information, please visit http://shootnations.org or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

How you can celebrate the day

Team up! It is a great opportunity to rally support and get key actors involved - Governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and young people - to focus on what has been done to further the World Programme of Action for Youth.

Organize! Hold forums, public discussions and information campaigns in support of young people focusing on youth issues and how they can be addressed.

Celebrate! Plan and organize performances everywhere to showcase - and celebrate – the fact that youth contribute to the societies in which they live. Convene exchanges and dialogues focusing on the rich and varied skills, interests and aspirations of young people.

Take action! A major focus of the Day is practical action to further encourage the empowerment and participation of youth in the processes and decisions that affect their lives. The media have especially important role to play in support of the observance of the Day to promote public awareness of youth issues.

The United Nations Programme on Youth is encouraging youth organisations around the world to host community barter fairs for International Youth Day. Remember, with bartering there is no money involved, only pure exchange of goods and services.

Email us your plans and ideas on how you will be commemorating International Youth Day in your country: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Background of International Youth Day

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

The Assembly recommended that public information activities be organized to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond, adopted by the General Assembly in 1995 (resolution 50/81).

Previous Celebrations of International Youth Day include:

    * IYD 2008 - Youth and Climate Change: Time for Action
    * IYD 2007 - Be seen, Be heard: Youth participation for development
    * IYD 2006 - Tackling Poverty Together
    * IYD 2005 - WPAY+10: Making Commitments Matter
    * IYD 2004 - Youth in an Intergenerational Society
    * IYD 2003 - Finding decent and productive work for young people everywhere
    * IYD 2002 - Now and for the Future: Youth Action for Sustainable Development
    * IYD 2001 - Addressing Health and Unemployment
    * First Observance of International Youth Day 2000