New York - Nairobi: Europe and the Arab World
On the occasion of International Youth Day, the United Nations Secretary-General urged us to celebrate the determination, creativity, and leadership of young people everywhere, calling for support for the solutions they lead to build a more just and sustainable world, from local communities to the global level.
This year's celebration is held under the theme: "Youth Action at Local Level for the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond." Guterres said that this year's theme reminds us that global progress begins in local communities. Young people are leading the way in every corner of the world.
He said that young people "are the drivers of sustainable development, building more inclusive societies, forging peace, and demanding a fairer, greener, and more just future. Young people are bold innovators, resilient organizers, and essential partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals." According to the United Nations Daily News Bulletin, this year also marks a renewed commitment to the World Programme of Action for Youth – recognizing that when young people take the lead, societies thrive. In his message, the Secretary-General said, “To every young person, I say this: know that your voice, your ideas, and your leadership matter.”
Nairobi to Host Global Celebration
Nairobi, Kenya, is hosting this year’s global celebration of International Youth Day in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
The event brings together young leaders, municipal officials, policymakers, UN representatives, and development practitioners to share insights and present solutions to enhance youth participation in local development.
Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
Coinciding with the International Day, the UN Secretary-General announced the appointment of the third cohort of his Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. The Secretary-General has increased the Advisory Group from seven to fourteen members in response to the alarming global trend of shrinking civic space and funding constraints, which are putting young activists at risk and hindering their meaningful participation in climate meetings and efforts.
The Advisory Group includes representatives between the ages of 17 and 28, from all regions of the world, representing a diverse range of identities, experiences, perspectives, and skills.
The Group provides the Secretary-General with practical, results-oriented advice, diverse youth perspectives, and concrete recommendations to support the United Nations' work to accelerate global action to address the climate crisis.
Facts and Figures
Half of the world's population is 30 or younger, and this proportion is expected to rise to 57% by the end of 2030.
A survey showed that 67% of people believe in a better future, with 15- to 17-year-olds the most optimistic. By 2050, those under the age of 25 will represent more than 90% of the workforce at its peak.
Unemployment among the youth workforce is 13%, the lowest rate in 15 years, according to 2023 figures.
One in seven children aged 10 to 19 suffers from a mental health disorder.
Nearly 6 in 10 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries are unable to read and understand a simple paragraph.