Professor (Dr.) Vikas Sharma & Nancy Vohra
Even small actions, when multiplied by many, can create big change making International Youth Day not just a celebration, but a step towards building a better and more sustainable future. By giving youth the tools, opportunities and encouragement they need, we can create a future that is fairer, greener and more sustainable for everyone.
The idea for this day began at the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1998, where leaders discussed the need for a global platform to address youth-related issues. Following this, the United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution 54/120 in 1999, officially declared 12 August as International Youth Day. Every year on 12 August, the international community observes International Youth Day (IYD), a United Nations-sanctioned platform to elevate the voices, ideas and challenges of young people across the globe. Established with its first observance on 12 August 2000, this annual occasion serves as a catalyst for renewed efforts aimed at youth empowerment, inclusive development and positive social change. In 2025, IYD falls on Tuesday, 12 August. The UN has designated Nairobi, Kenya, as the host city for global observance, in collaboration with UN-Habitat underscoring the day’s emphasis on urban inclusion and sustainable development.
International Youth Day 2025 helps young people understand the importance of unity, cooperation and shared goals among the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. It teaches youth that even though people live in different nations, they face many common challenges such as unemployment, climate change and inequality that can be solved better when countries work together. By learning about the Commonwealth’s values of peace, democracy and equal opportunities, young people are encouraged to take part in activities that promote these ideas in their own communities. This awareness also opens doors for cultural exchange, education opportunities and leadership programmes that connect youth across borders. As a result, it strengthens friendship between nations, improves problem-solving skills and builds a generation that is more informed, responsible and ready to contribute to both local and global progress.
This year’s global theme is: “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs” emphasizes the crucial role of young people in driving sustainable development at the community level. It highlights that change often starts with local initiatives and empowers youth to be active agents of change in their communities by aligning global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with local contexts. This approach recognizes that youth are not just beneficiaries of development, but also leaders, innovators and key players in achieving a sustainable future. Looking beyond 2030 means keeping the spirit of the SDGs alive, improving on the progress made and adapting to new global needs. It calls for youth to stay engaged as innovators, problem-solvers and community leaders long after the SDG targets are fulfilled. It also means thinking about future generations, ensuring that today’s solutions are sustainable and can stand for the next generations. By committing to long-term action, young people can create a culture of responsibility and leadership that extends well past 2030, ensuring that positive change is not just a temporary effort, but a permanent part of our society.
This year’s IYD will also underscore the essential role of local and regional governments. Being the closest to the communities, they serve to create inclusive policy environments, allocate resources and establish mechanisms for youth participation in local planning and decision-making. By integrating youth priorities into local and regional strategies and fostering partnerships with youth organizations, authorities can collaborate with young people to transform their ideas into impactful solutions.
When local governments provide space for innovation, mentorship and civic engagement, they not only accelerate SDG implementation, but also nurture future community leaders and change makers.
This day highlights how the efforts of youth in their own communities whether through environmental projects, education initiatives, social awareness campaigns or entrepreneurship can contribute to solving global challenges. The day provides a powerful platform for young people to voice their ideas, share their concerns and influence decision-making at local, national and international levels.
Inspires more young leaders by sharing success stories, it motivates other youth to take part in social, environmental and community projects. It also reminds governments, organizations and society to invest in youth by providing education, skills and opportunities, ensuring they have the tools to create positive change. Thus, strengthening unity and global cooperation by connecting young people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds to work together for a better future. Young workers know that democracy is not just about elections. It’s about participation, inclusion and collective action.
On International Youth Day 2025, there are many meaningful ways you can take part and contribute to the day’s spirit. You can start by engaging in small, but impactful activities in your community such as planting trees, organizing a clean-up drive or hosting an awareness campaign about important issues like climate change, education or health. If you are a student, you can join school or college programmes, debates or cultural events that celebrate youth achievements. Online, you can share inspiring stories, spread awareness about the day’s theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” and connect with other young change makers using social media. You could also volunteer your time for a local NGO, teach skills to younger children or help in a community project. Even small actions, when multiplied by many, can create big change making International Youth Day not just a celebration, but a step towards building a better and more sustainable future.
Today’s youth are not just inheritors of the planet they are frontline defenders of it. International Youth Day 2025 is more than a celebration it is a call for action . With the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and beyond,” it reminds the world that change begins in our own communities and that young people are the driving force behind a better future. Whether through small local projects or global movements, the contributions of youth today will shape the well-being, equality and sustainability of tomorrow. On this 12 August, let us join hands with the youth, listen to their voices and work together to build a better world-today and for generations to come.
(The authors are from the Division of Biochemistry, FBSc., SKUAST-Jammu)
