In such tough times of a pandemic, when the whole world is in a crisis the significance of the International Youth Day is further magnified. Youngsters around the world have widely participated in various movements: from raising awareness about sustainability to movements like BlackLivesMatter. They have actively participated in the fight against the coronavirus and have raised voice against several issues like global warming, forest fires, deforestation etc. The pandemic has also made the millennials the most vulnerable group as it largely impacts their lives in various forms; their education has been disrupted and institutions have completely resorted to online teaching methods, lack of employment opportunities. It also impacts their health, both physical and mental health, as they are in a very crucial stage of development. In such a time of hardships, it is essential to work in a youth-centric manner.
A few heart-whole, sincere, and energetic men and women can do more in a year than a mob in a century.” – Swami Vivekananda
The theme for International Youth Day 2020 is ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’ which is also very relevant given the present conditions where it is necessary for everyone irrespective of age needs to understand the depth of the situation and act accordingly.
The International Youth Day came into existence after the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation of ‘World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth’ in the year 1999 and subsequently the International Youth Day started to be observed annually on August 12th and was celebrated for the first time in the year 2000. It is also celebrated by various countries nationally on many dates throughout the year. In India, it is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on 12th January since 1985 to highlight the importance of young people in the nation.
The aim of the UN this year is to increase the participation of millennials in cultural, legal and political issues on a local, national and global level. It also focuses on active youth participation in the formulation and implementation of policies, concerning them and the environment. The UN has relentlessly worked to become youth-centric and continues to do the same by giving them various opportunities in various fields like representation and engagement in the formal institutions and organizations. Last year the theme was ‘Transforming Education.’
According to the UN, many young people are essential workers or volunteering to support their community. Young health professionals and students have been supporting the COVID-19 response from hospitals, research centres and testing clinics. Other youths are working in advocacy and risk communication initiatives such as producing community radio shows and media and information literacy learning resources to counter disinformation and promote peer-education, conducting surveys on behavioural insights to inform response strategies, translating and disseminating public health information and inspiring online handwashing challenges.
The celebration of this day is highly significant as youngsters form a majority of the population around the world. The UN says that globally millennials comprise of more than 1.8 billion of the population out of which the highest numbers are present in developing countries. In India, they form 34.33% of the total population which is in itself a huge number. The celebration of the International Youth Day gives an incentive to various countries to recognize and enhance the youth of their countries. This year due to the incidence of COVID-19, the UN has taken to online celebrations, keeping in mind the safety of the people. Online podcasts, conferences, webinars, workshops etc have been widely organized; hosted by youth for youth; the main event is organized jointly by the WHO and UNESCO. They emphasize the significance of the youth not only in the future but also as a current force of change and to celebrate and mainstream their voices. Also, in observance of the day, the UN has launched a social media campaign, #31DaysOfYouth, that is celebrating young people throughout August, leading up to and following International Youth Day. It is meant to spread awareness and initiate conversations surrounding ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’ and to work under the theme of this year.
Conclusively, we can say that the recognization of the youth is essential at this time as an active force against various issues and problems that are being faced by people globally. Youngsters today are well aware of their rights and the various problems being faced by people globally. They raise their voice against injustices and actively take part in movements for change be it environmental or political. Various youngsters have also emerged as leaders globally like, Greta Thunberg, Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Jamie Margolin, Isra Hirsi; to name a few. The collective initiatives of various countries are essential to help them in shaping not only the future but also the present as an active force and to give these young minds a chance to actually change things and make the world a better place.
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