The International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12 annually. The theme for this year is “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production.” The theme focuses specifically on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 12). According to un.org, sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs and a better quality of life for all. Its implementation helps to achieve overall development plans, reduce future economic, environmental and social costs, strengthen economic competitiveness and reduce poverty.
With a population of over 1.8 billion youth, the world has never been this young. Youth are powerful agents of positive change, essential to taking forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.“
“I invite governments, foundations, civil society organizations, and the youth movement to mark the day by highlighting the positive contributions of youth in development and by pledging to engage with youth as partners in the implementation of the SDGs,” said the UN Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi ahead of the event.
Happy International Youth Day 2016!
African Youth Corner 