International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12th. In 1985, the United Nations celebrated the first International Year of Youth. On its 10th anniversary, the General Assembly adopted the World Programme of Action for Youth, setting a policy framework and guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young people. Fifteen priority areas were adopted by the General Assembly. International Youth Day serves to raise awareness of those priority areas which include education, employment, hunger and poverty, health, drug abuse, juvenile delinquency among others.
Many countries participate in this global event, which may include youth conferences on issues such as education and employment. Other activities include concerts promoting the world’s youth, as well as various sporting events, parades and mobile exhibitions that showcase young people’s achievements.
The theme of the 2016 International Youth Day is “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production” with a focus on the leading role that young people can play in erasing poverty and achieving sustainable development through the use of products and services that meet the basic needs of communities while safeguarding the needs of future generations.
In recognition of International Youth Day, Highland Shores Children’s Aid recommits to support and promote the well-being of vulnerable youth in our communities.
