Theme for 2022 International Youth Day

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world needs to leverage the full potential of all generations. Solidarity across generations is key for sustainable development.

We must collaborate to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships to ensure “no one is left behind.” While intergenerational solidarity and concern for future generations is being called for in tackling global issues – with the UN Secretary-General recently putting forward new recommendations on renewed intergenerational solidarity, including in Our Common Agenda – many challenges remain.

The Global Report on Ageism launched by the United Nations in March 2021 highlights the many data gaps that exist with regards to ageism against youth. Despite this lack of research, young people continue to report age-related barriers in various spheres of their lives such as employment, political participation, health and justice. On an individual level, these age-related obstacles can deeply impact wellbeing and livelihoods not only during the youth years, but also in adulthood. On a societal level, ageism prevents us from thinking and designing policies and social services that adopt a life-course approach and are fair for all ages.

This year, the theme for International Youth Day is “Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a world for all ages”.

International Youth Day: History

The UN General Assembly started working hard in 1965 to have an impact on young people. They supported the Declaration on Promoting the Values of Peace, mutual respect, and understanding among people.

By identifying rising leaders and providing them with tools to solve the needs of the world, the UN started committing time and resources to empower the youth.

International Youth Day was established when the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth recommended it to the UN General Assembly on December 17, 1999.

Since the day was first observed on August 12, 2000, it has served as a platform for social education, mobilising the youth in politics, and managing resources to address global concerns.