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International Youth Day 2025: Date, theme, history, significance, and all you need to know

International Youth Day 2025: Established in 1999 by the UN General Assembly and first observed on 12 August 2000, this year, International Youth Day will be falling on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 on the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.”

International Youth Day 2025: As we mark the day, here's all you need to know -- theme, history, and significance behind the day. (Source: Freepik)

International Youth Day 2025 Date and Theme: International Youth Day is celebrated globally every year on August 12, recognising youth while highlighting their contributions, challenges, and potential.

The idea for International Youth Day was first proposed in 1991 by young people gathered in Vienna, Austria, during the initial session of the World Youth Forum.

The World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth adopted a resolution to declare August 12 as International Youth Day in 1999, and it was subsequently endorsed on December 17 by the United Nations General Assembly of the same year.

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The inaugural International Youth Day was celebrated on 12th August 2000. Since then, it has been observed annually to highlight youth issues for the international community and to celebrate youth as active participants in today’s global society.

Young people worldwide are agents of change, playing a key role in the achievement of the #GlobalGoals.

On Tuesday’s #YouthDay, join us in celebrating the determination, ideas and leadership of young people as we pursue a better world. https://t.co/rt7H5u6mTv pic.twitter.com/EQpZkTW9gt

— United Nations (@UN) August 12, 2025

International Youth Day 2025: Date and Theme

This year, International Youth Day (IYD) 2025 will fall on Tuesday, August 12, under the theme of “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond“, highlighting the unique role of youth in translating global ambitions into community-driven realities, as stated by the United Nations.

International Youth Day 2025: Celebrations

This year’s International Youth Day is especially significant since it marks the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. It will be celebrated on August 12 in Nairobi, Kenya, in collaboration with UN-Habitat.

International Youth Day 2025: Significance

This year’s emphasis will be on the crucial function of local and regional governments in creating inclusive policy environments, allocating resources, and establishing mechanisms for youth participation in local planning and decision-making to accelerate SDG implementation and develop future community leaders and changemakers.

The event will bring together youth leaders, municipal officials, policymakers, UN representatives, and development practitioners to share ideas and demonstrate methods to increase young participation in local development.