International Youth Day 2025 – Celebrating Youth Action Towards Global Sustainability
Every year on August 12, the world celebrates International Youth Day (IYD) as designated by the United Nations. This global observance shines a spotlight on young people, recognizing their contributions to society and empowering them as catalysts for positive change. In 2025, the celebration is particularly significant, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY).
International Youth Day 2025 underscores the role of youth in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) and shaping our collective future. With a focus on local youth action and community resilience, this year’s event calls upon governments, communities, and organizations to actively include youth in shaping global and local agendas.
The event was hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, and brought together young leaders, policymakers, municipal officers, and UN representatives in a shared dialogue for sustainable change. Read on for details about the 2025 theme, its global significance, and the way forward.
Key Information at a Glance
| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Occasion | International Youth Day 2025 |
| Observed On | August 12, 2025 (Every Year) |
| 2025 Theme | Local Youth Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond |
| Objective | To recognize youth contributions and promote their inclusive and active participation |
| 2025 Host | Nairobi, Kenya (By UN-Habitat & UN DESA) |
| Significance | 10 Years of SDG Agenda, 30 Years of WPAY |
| Official Theme Focus | Youth-led local innovation, community resilience, and partnerships for SDGs |
| Observing Organization | United Nations, UN DESA, UN-Habitat, Government Bodies Worldwide |
| Website | www.un.org |
Background of International Youth Day
The concept of celebrating International Youth Day originated in 1991 at the first session of the UN System’s World Youth Forum in Vienna, Austria. The participants proposed the establishment of a global day that recognized the role of youth and also fundraise for the United Nations Youth Fund (UNYF).
Later, in 1998, during the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth held in Lisbon, Portugal, the proposal to observe August 12 as International Youth Day was officially passed. Subsequently, in 1999, the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) formally endorsed the resolution (A/RES/54/120).
Since its first observance in 2000, IYD has evolved into a global platform for youth voices and policy initiatives, celebrating their transformative influence across all sectors.
Theme of 2025 – Empowering Local Youth for Global Change
The theme for International Youth Day 2025 is "Local Youth Action for Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond". This theme champions the pivotal role that youth play at the grassroots level. From spearheading green innovations in rural communities to driving digital literacy in cities, young people are shaping resilient and sustainable futures.
Key focus areas of the 2025 observance included:
- Promoting youth-led innovation in community development
- Enhancing youth resilience and leadership through education and training
- Creating inclusive spaces for youth decision-making at local and global levels
- Recognizing the intergenerational collaboration necessary to meet SDGs
Youth2030 Global Progress Report (2025)
The 5th edition of the Youth2030 Progress Report was released in August 2025. The report provides comprehensive insight into how the UN’s youth strategy is being implemented worldwide.
Key insights from the report:
- Marks the transition from Phase I (2018–2024) to Phase II (2025–2030)
- Outlines achievements and challenges faced by UN entities and field missions
- Tracks youth engagement in global governance mechanisms and policy initiatives
- Establishes a roadmap for achieving equitable youth development by 2030
Highlight Events of IYD 2025
The flagship global event took place in Nairobi, Kenya, organized jointly by UN-Habitat and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). The summit featured voices from youth leaders, municipal officers, and policy thinkers who discussed avenues for actionable change.
Simultaneously in India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) collaborated with Miranda House, University of Delhi to host a national celebration in New Delhi. The event revolved around the sub-theme “Voluntarism and Youth Leadership”, recognizing the instrumental contributions of youth in nation building.
Major panel discussions in India included:
- “Young Voices, Shared Futures: Reimagining Global Youth Action”
- “Voluntarism as a Catalyst for Global Cooperation”
India and Global Youth in Numbers
A brief look at youth-related statistics from the 2025 report:
- Youth Population: Around 50% of the global population is under 30; projected to rise to 57% by 2030.
- Workforce Trends: Over 90% of today’s youth under 25 are expected to form the core working population by 2050.
- Unemployment: Youth unemployment stood at 13% in 2023, the lowest since 2008.
- Health & Education: 1 out of every 7 adolescents (aged 10–19) is affected by mental health conditions. Nearly 60% of 10-year-olds in low-income countries are unable to read a simple paragraph.
About UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)
- Under-Secretary-General: Mr. Liu Zhenmin
- Established: 1948
- Headquarters: New York, United States
Conclusion
International Youth Day 2025 sends a clear message — that young people are not only future leaders but present-day changemakers. Through local action, innovation, and collaboration, youth are shaping stronger, more inclusive societies and leading the way toward a more sustainable world.
Governments, institutions, and global citizens are encouraged to invest in youth-driven solutions and structures that enable active civic participation. The path to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals isn’t just about policy — it’s about empowering the very generation that will live through its outcomes.
