What is International Youth Day?

Power to the youth!

Today’s youth is the largest generation in history, making it more important than ever to create opportunities for young people to have a say in the issues shaping their lives and communities.

The theme for International Youth Day 2026 is 'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations', recognising that while young people grow up in very different circumstances, many share the same hopes for their future – quality education, decent work, meaningful participation and a safe, sustainable future.

For young people in disadvantaged communities, barriers such as poverty, climate change, geographic isolation and limited access to education, jobs and technology can make these goals harder to reach.

But young people are also leading change, finding solutions and shaping the future of their communities.

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 an opportunity to recognise the contributions young people make to their communities and create more space for their voices to be heard.

Young people bring ideas, energy and new perspectives to the challenges facing their communities. When they have access to education, opportunities and meaningful ways to participate, they can help shape decisions and solutions that affect their lives and futures.

The day also draws attention to the barriers that can prevent young people from reaching their potential. Poverty, limited access to education and employment, geographic isolation and unequal access to technology can all affect the opportunities available to them.

International Youth Day is a chance to recognise these barriers – and to support young people to have a greater say in shaping the future of their communities and the world around them.

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

Young people have an important role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the 17 global goals designed to address poverty, inequality, climate change and other challenges by 2030.

With the 2030 deadline approaching, young people’s ideas, skills and leadership are more important than ever. From using digital technology to finding solutions in their own communities, young people are already contributing to progress towards the SDGs.

But young people need opportunities to take part. They need access to quality education, decent work and spaces where they can speak up, make decisions and have their ideas taken seriously.

International Youth Day 2026 is also a reminder that not all young people have the same opportunities. Where a young person grows up can shape their access to education, technology, employment and other opportunities.

Creating more equal opportunities means giving young people the tools, support and voice to help shape the future – and to play their part in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

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. ChildFund program data shows that more than 98% of children aged 6–15 in Tan Lac district now know how to identify child protection risks and report them, thanks to the leadership of young people like Bich.

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.”

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

This International Youth Day, you can help support children and young people living in poverty to access education, healthcare, protection and opportunities to shape their own futures.

When you donate to ChildFund Australia, your donation can support our long-term development work, helping remove barriers and create opportunities for children and young people in communities across the Asia-Pacific.

Together, we can support young people to know their rights, have their voices heard and play an active role in shaping their future.

*Name changed to protect identity.