International Youth Day is observed on the 12th of August

Every year, International Youth Day is observed on the 12^th of August .On this day, governments and citizens across the world come together to recognise and bring attention to the problems that are faced by our youth. In 1999, the United Nations decided to celebrate International Youth Day every year on August 12. It was because of the recommendation that was made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon during the UN General Assembly. This day is celebrated through awareness campaigns, community concerts, and events to bring to notice the socio-economic and socio-political issues that the youth in every nation have been facing.

Theme For International Youth Day 2021

Every year, the United Nations has to decide a theme that is relevant to all the global communities as well as citizens. This year's theme focused on "Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health". According to the United Nations, this year's theme highlights the crucial need for "inclusive support of mechanisms that ensures youth continue to put efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems." Along with this, other challenges -- climate change, healthcare, social inclusion, and conservation of biodiversity were also been addressed.

UN Secretary-General's message for International Youth Day 2021

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that youngsters were on the "frontlines of the struggle to build a better future for all". The highlight of this year's International Youth Day will be on "solutions developed by young innovators to address challenges to our food systems". Mr Guterres, however, stated that "young people cannot do it on their own. They need allies to make sure  that they are engaged and understood." Before ending his message, he urged everyone "to include young people for a seat at the table as we build a world based on inclusive, fair, and sustainable development for all".

Theme of 2020 was about youth engagement for global action and it highlighted the areas like engagement at community level, at the national level (to formulate laws and policies along with their implementation) as well as the engagement at the global level