International Youth Day

International Youth Day History

International Youth Day is celebrated annually to recognize the important role that young people play in promoting positive change and development around the world. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, and is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide. In Canada, International Youth Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges and opportunities facing young people in the country. It is also a time to celebrate their achievements, and to recognize the important role they play in shaping the future of the country.

Over the years, the Canadian government and various organizations have celebrated International Youth Day by organizing events and initiatives that promote youth empowerment, education, and engagement. These initiatives include conferences, workshops, mentorship programs, and community service projects.

The theme for International Youth Day in Canada changes every year, reflecting different issues and concerns that are relevant to young people in the country. Some recent themes have included Youth and Mental Health, Youth Engagement for Global Action, and Youth Building Peace.

International Youth Day facts

• The Theme of International Youth Day in 2023 was Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World
• International Youth Day has been celebrated in over 100 countries, making it one of the most widely observed UN days.
• The UN defines youth as people between the ages of 15 and 24 years, but events for International Youth Day often include people of all ages.
• According to Statistics Canada, there are 9 million youth across the country, aged 15 to 34. That is roughly one-quarter of Canada's population.
• In 2022, about 10.3 percent of 15 to 24 year-olds were unemployed in Canada.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Youth Day

Top things to do in Canada for International Youth Day

• Participate in a Youth Day celebration within your city. Use the hashtag #YouthDay to promote and find events.
• Encourage confidence building activities for the youth in your life. This can be done by having youth participate in sports, drama clubs, debate clubs and music bands.
• Support young athletes by attending local sports events or competitions. Be it a soccer match, basketball game, or gymnastics contest, celebrating the talents and achievements of young athletes is a fun way to spend International Youth Day.
• Support young performers by attending a theater or music performance featuring youth in your community.