International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12 every year. On this day, governments and citizens come together and bring to the fore the problems faced by the youth. But how did this day come into existence? The General Assembly, in its resolution 54/120, in 1999, endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth that August 12 be declared International Youth Day.

The Assembly recommended that on this day, public information activities should be practiced as a way to promote an awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth. This was adopted by the General Assembly in 1995 (resolution 50/81).

The Focal Point on Youth selects a theme for the day which is inspired by youth organizations and members of the UN Inter-Agency Network in Youth development.

The theme of International Youth Day 2021 is – “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”.

As the world’s population is expected to increase by 2 billion people in the next 30 years, the UN, on its website, said that simply producing a large volume of healthier food will not ensure human and planetary wellbeing.

Other challenges that were addressed are: The interlinkages embodied by the 2030 Agenda including poverty reduction; social inclusion; health care; biodiversity conservation; and climate change mitigation.

According to the UN‘s official website, 2021 International Youth Day is aimed at providing a platform for young people to continue the momentum from the ECOSOC Youth Forum as they go up to the high-level Food Systems Summit.

“Young people are on the frontlines of the struggle to build a better future for all. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dire need for the kind of transformational change they seek – and young people must be full partners in that effort,” UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year, International Youth Day will be celebrated virtually.