In a troubled world, marking this day is more important than ever to establish hope for the future.
Today, 12th August, is the United Nations’ International Youth Day.
This year’s theme is ‘Local youth actions for the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and beyond’. Back in 2015, the United Nations set out 17 global goals to work through challenges such as poverty, inequality and climate change, with the aim of creating a better future for everyone by 2030.
With just five years to go, 2025’s theme focuses on the importance of young people taking the lead to tackle global goals from within their communities. It’s a day to celebrate their creative ideas and efforts to effect change as they work in partnership with local governance to make the future better. In turn, local governments must acknowledge the priorities for young people and work on them accordingly to achieve tangible progress.
Global youth statistics
Some of the UN’s statistics about young people across the world:
- Half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, and this is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030.
- A UN survey shows that 67% of people believe in a better future, with 15 to 17 year-olds being the most optimistic about this.
- By 2050, the people who are under 25 today will compose more than 90% of the prime-age workforce.
- 13% of the young labour force is unemployed. This number from 2023 marks the lowest rate in 15 years.
- Among children ages 10-19, 1 in 7 experience a mental disorder. Nearly 6 in 10 ten-year-old children in low- and middle-income countries cannot read and comprehend a simple paragraph.
As part of his message for International Youth Day 2025, UN Secretary General, António Guterres said:
…Young people are bold innovators, resilient organizers, and essential partners in in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals … To every young person: your voice, ideas and leadership matter. Let us work together to support youth-led solutions and build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world, from the ground up.
