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International Youth Day is held each year on the 12th of August and is an initiative that celebrates the qualities of young people and that recognises the challenges that today’s youth can face.

It began in 2000 and was organised by the United Nations to celebrate the contribution that young people make in education, employment, conflict resolution and social justice to name a few.

The day is dedicated to the role young women and men play in bringing change in tackling global issues and achieving sustainable development. It also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world’s youth. 

. 15–24 – the age group defined as ‘youth.’

. In 2019, there are about 1.2 billion youth aged 15 to 24 years in the world, or 16 per cent of the global population. 

. Globally, at least 773 million youth and adults still cannot read and write and 250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills

. Of the 429 million young workers worldwide, around 55 million, or 13 per cent, are suffering extreme poverty 

. 20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year.

On International Youth Day, workshops, concerts, conferences, cultural events, seminars and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organisations take place around the world. 

The theme of International Youth Day 2021 is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”. The success of such a global effort will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people.

The best thing that we can offer kids is education. Now is the time to start a meaningful discussion between adults and young people, and really listen to what the younger generation has to say.

Prime Production provides translation, interpreting and desk-top publishing services for UN agencies, international organisations and NGOs for more than 10 years. Prime is proud to support organisations in delivering the message of gender equality, child protection and global sustainable development