Today’s youth is the largest generation in history, which means it has never been more important to encourage and facilitate their engagement in legal, political and social issues around the world. It’s also a wonderful avenue through which young people in disadvantaged communities can be recognised for their contributions.

The theme for International Youth Day 2025 is ‘Youth Localizing the SDGs’, which highlights the role of young people in translating global ambition like ending violence against children into community-driven realities.

What is the history of International Youth Day?

The United Nations celebrated its first ever Year of Youth in 1985. A decade later, a global forum known as the United Nations General Assembly adopted the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY), which outlines a set of policies designed to improve the situation of the world’s youth. They designated 12 August as International Youth Day, with the first one celebrated in 2000.

Why is International Youth Day important?

International Youth Day is a day to celebrate the important contribution that young people make to our societies, and to ensure they are heard on issues of importance to them. 

Through youth education, engagement, innovation and entrepreneurial solutions, this year’s International Youth Day aims recognise and celebrate the digital contributions of youth and their role in achieving sustainable development.

A key part of this is encouraging young people to get involved. The United Nations recognises the importance of engaging youth, not only so they can combat their own adversities and address the issues that are important to them, but so they can work together to combat challenges that limit disadvantaged communities and youth as a whole.

What is the role of young people in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

There are three main reasons why this year’s International Youth Day is so important.

First, as the 2030 deadline for the United Nations 2030 Agenda fast approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues. Also known as the Global Goals, or the Sustainable Development Goals, this is a global initiative to wipe out poverty by directing the world toward a more sustainable economic, social, and environmental path. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include 17 targets, and it is important that young people can take an active role in helping these initiatives have a positive impact in their societies and nations.

Second, it’s essential that youth feel empowered to take action, speak up for things that are important to them, and make their contribution to global development.

Third, International Youth Day is an opportunity to recognise that not all young people are afforded the same opportunities in life. International Youth Day is an opportunity to recognise the importance of creating equal opportunities and development for all youth, no matter where they’re from, and to make sure their voices are heard.

Why do we celebrate International Youth Day?

Without a doubt, the best part about International Youth Day is the opportunity to hear young people’s voices, and celebrate the contributions they make to their communities. It is a chance to address the legal and cultural issues facing young people, recognise their abilities, and encourage them to keep speaking up.

In Vietnam, young people like Bich, a 15-year-old living in a remote rural community, are using their voice to raise awareness on child protection and ending violence against children.

“Before, I wasn’t confident because I was afraid my ideas were wrong and that others would laugh at me,” she recalls.

With your support, Bich joined a ChildFund Core Children’s Group, where she learned that every child has the right to be safe, to play, and most importantly, to be heard.

She discovered how to turn her ideas into a plan and with newfound confidence, she worked with her classmates to organise 12 workshops in child protection, child rights and self-advocacy at her school. Thanks to the leadership of young people like her, over 98% of children aged 6-15 in Tan Lac district now know how to identify child protection risks and report them.

She also spoke directly to policymakers about the challenges facing children in her community and across Vietnam at the National Children’s Forum.

“It was an honour to be at the National Children’s Forum,” Bich says. “It was my chance to speak up, not just for myself, but for all the children and young people who deserve to be heard.”

Read more about Bich’s story here.

How you can help support children and young people living in poverty this International Youth Day

Every child should experience a childhood in which they are nurtured, protected and given access to opportunity. You can donate to where it is most needed, and your donation will be directed to our long-term development projects that bring lasting, sustainable change for children and young people in areas such as education, health and child protection.

This International Youth Day join us in supporting children and young people to realise and assert their rights.