International Youth Day 2020: History, Significance and Theme

International Youth Day: On 12th August International Youth Day is celebrated globally. As due to the pandemic, it is not possible to celebrate the day with physical activities, therefore, the internet would be the only safest way to celebrate IYD this year. It believed that this day is a day for both reflection and a day for taking action, so the youth must get involved in the change. There’ll be many online concerts, online workshops and online cultural events taking place so have a look at what is happening and participate to make the full use of this day. 

History of International Youth Day

The General Assembly on 17th December 1999 endorsed that 12th August will be declared as International Youth Day all across the world to celebrate the young people’s choice, actions, as well as their initiatives and it, was first time celebrated in 2000. UN celebrates both Universal Children’s Day and  International Youth Day, which mainly focuses on tweens and teens and their place in society.  

Theme for IYD 2020

This year the theme for the International Youth Day is “Youth Engagement for Global Action” to highlight the ways young talents are engaged in enriching the national and multilateral institutions processes at local, national, and global levels. The objective of International Youth Day 2020 is to shed limelight onto the need of the engagement of the youth by making local, global and national institutions more inclusive in regards of strengthening their capacity and ability to achieve global action. As it is believed that when youths are engaged in formal politics, it leads to more fair political processes and decreases democratic deficits. 

The main focus was on the areas for youth development and protection with this UN, their initiative includes education to all, vast employment windows, the environment, delinquency, rights to girls and young women, awareness about HIV/AIDS and various other intergenerational relations. 

Why there was a need to declare International Youth Day?

The main aim of this day is to make a better world for children and encouraging them to move forward with their capabilities and talent. Many initiatives have been taken until today for raising opportunities and provide tangible improvements in children’s life. Another perspective of celebrating this day is to raise awareness about poverty and encourage the youths to lend a helping hand to the needy ones. 

How International Youth Day 2020 will be celebrated?

In Africa, The Youth Café has planned a huge series of activities to celebrate the Youth’s day with lined up creative launches on this day. Various podcast-style discussions will be held in order to engage youth in political issues. On the other-hand Yasmin Mohamed, a luminary documentarian will launch his two documentaries to display youths’ outlook on unemployment, struggles of professional success and the dive into entrepreneurship to achieve immense success. Youths will be expressing their dissatisfaction with the government policies in a creative and respectful video challenge by airing speeches of false promises. Youth can also present their ideas and what could be the alternative to false promises. 

How did International Youth Day used to be celebrated in past years?

Events for International Youth Day were sponsored and there were many activities like concerts, sporting events, parades, and exhibitions. This was done with the perspective of showcasing their talent along with entertaining them on the same side. You can also celebrate this day with an intergenerational discussion among adults and young peoples about the ideas, initiatives that could be taken ahead for the better world around. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the theme for International Youth Day 2020?

Ans. The theme for IYD 2020 is “Youth Engagement for Global Action” 

Q. When 12th August was started to be known as International Youth Day? 

Ans. After the declaration in 1999 in a general Assembly of UN, 12th August was decided to be known as Youth Day internationally and on 12th August 2000, it was first time celebrated across the globe. 

Q. Will there be any sport or other events being held on IYD 2020?

Amid Coronavirus pandemic, this year only the online platform will be used to celebrate International Youth Day. 

Q. What was the theme for International Youth Day in 2019?

Ans. In 2019, the aim was to focus on education with the theme “Transforming Education”

Q. Who began the International Youth Day?

Ans. The UN General Assembly came up with the idea of International Youth Day and implemented it in 1999.