Nairobi, Kenya (Enmaeya News) — Every year on Aug. 12, the world observes International Youth Day, a global occasion dedicated to highlighting youth issues and promoting their active engagement across various fields.
This year, the United Nations and its partners commemorated the day under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” The observance, held in Nairobi in collaboration with UN-Habitat, emphasized the pivotal role of young people in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through grassroots initiatives.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, the event highlighted the importance of youth participation in local planning and decision-making processes to accelerate SDG implementation.
Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1995, the programme provides a framework of practical policies aimed at improving the situation of youth globally across 15 priority domains.
The United Nations focuses this year’s theme on empowering youth by engaging local and regional governments in opening real opportunities for young people to contribute actively to development processes. With over 65 percent of SDGs linked directly to local governance, involving youth in communities worldwide is paramount.
In April 2025, the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum convened in New York, providing a platform for young people to engage with member states and stakeholders. The forum focused on “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, leaving no one behind.” It allowed youth leaders worldwide to amplify their voices and contribute recommendations to make the world fairer, greener, and more sustainable.
International Youth Day, first observed in 2000 following a 1999 UN resolution, serves as a platform to spotlight cultural and legal issues facing youth and recognize their contributions to global development.
Across the globe, youth-centered events marked the day. In India, a 5K “Red Run” marathon was held Aug. 10 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and discourage drug use. Organized by the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society and local officials, hundreds of young participants, including college students, took part, with winners receiving cash prizes.
Additionally, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) released a policy paper titled “Polycrisis and Young Workers,” outlining how young workers navigate overlapping crises while advocating for democracy, decent work and human rights.
The Global Peace Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to youth leadership and supporting young changemakers driving sustainable community solutions.
This year's observance underscores the critical role of young people in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future, emphasizing that local actions can indeed lead to global change.
