12th August: International Youth Day

RANJAN K BARUAH

Different Contexts, Common Aspirations

Young people around the world are dreaming for a better future. Different regions or places have different contexts but most dream to get a stable job or into decent livelihoods after their studies. Recently we have seen protests in our country by students who are also the youths or also known as Generation Z (Gen Z).  There is no doubt that youths are full of energy and power house of any society and when mentored positively they bring positive social transformation.

There is no universally agreed international definition of the youth age group. For statistical purposes, however, the United Nations—without prejudice to any other definitions made by Member States—defines ‘youth’ as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years. This definition, which arose in the context of preparations for the International Youth Year (1985) (see A/36/215), was endorsed by the General Assembly in its resolution 36/28 of 1981. All UN statistics on youth are based on this definition, as is reflected in the annual yearbooks of statistics published by the UN system on demography, education, employment and health. According to the National Youth Policy of India, young people between the age group of 15-29 are termed as youths.

We should be aware that the world is home to nearly 1.3 billion young people aged 15 to 24, making it the largest generation of youth to date. By 2050, 69% of the world's youth will be living in low- and lower-middle-income countries, compared to 59% in 2025. Between 2025 and 2050, the youth population in high- and upper-middle-income countries is projected to decline by nearly 24%. The tragedy is that injuries account for nearly half of all youth deaths in low-income countries and more than half in upper-middle-income and high-income countries.

International Youth Day (IYD) is commemorated every year on 12 August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society. IYD 2026 recognizes that while young people’s lives are shaped by different national and local realities, their aspirations are remarkably similar. Across countries and communities, young people seek dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education, and a sustainable future. The idea for IYD was proposed in 1991 by the young people who were gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the World Youth Forum of the United Nations System. In India , the national youth day is observed on 12th  January commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. 

This year’s theme places particular attention on young people living in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who often experience overlapping challenges linked to poverty, climate change, geographic isolation, limited economic opportunities, and unequal access to digital technologies. The sub themes include global solidarity, shared challenges and youth innovation.

António Guterres, the Secretary General of the UN in his message said that “by working with young people as equal partners, we can unlock the demographic dividend, accelerate sustainable development, and bring their energy and expertise to bear on some of the defining crises of our time. They must also be granted a greater role in decision-making processes at the local, national, and international levels.”

“What unites the world’s young people is greater than what divides them. The United Nations stands with youth everywhere in their call for investment and inclusion. Together, let us build a present and future where every generation can thrive”, he further added.

This year’s theme – “different contexts, common aspirations” – reflects a simple truth: that despite many perspectives based on culture, faith or tradition and academic impact, most youths have common interests. Youth can be a positive force for development when provided with the knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive. By 2030—the target date for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that make up the 2030 Agenda—the number of youth is projected to have grown by 7 per cent, to nearly 1.3 billion.

(With direct inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)