Background of International Youth Day

Celebrate YOUth! On August 12th, 2006, youth around the world will celebrate their achievements, accomplishments¹, and aspirations² by planning and participating in International Youth Day (IYD) activities. This is a day to stand out and be counted as passionate³ and energetic youth that are creating a better world for all. Use IYD as an opportunity to remind key decision-makers and influential⁴ persons of the key role young global citizens play in affecting global change.

This year's theme is "Tackling Poverty Together", tackling commemorating⁵ the contribution youth make in our societies, and highlighting the importance of including youth in decision-making. The World Youth Report 2005 states that over 200 million young people, or 18 percent of all youth, live on less than one dollar a day, and that over 88 million youth are unemployed⁶. Although we have some statistics of young people living in poverty, they are frequently overlooked in national poverty reduction strategies.

Previous Celebrations of International Youth Day include:

" 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 （可持续的）Development
" IYD 2001 - Addressing Health and Unemployment
" First Observance of International Youth Day 2000

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 forums⁷, 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. Convene⁸ exchanges and dialogues focusing on the rich and varied⁹ skills, interests and aspirations of young people.
Take action

A major focus of the Day is practical action to further encourage the empowerment and participation¹⁰ 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 awareness¹¹ of youth issues.