Everything you should know about International Youth Day

International Youth Day (IYD), observed on August 12, is an awareness day designated by the UN. Here are a few quick facts about it:

The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youngsters.

The theme for 2016 is "The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production".

IYD 2016 will focus on the leading role young people play in eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production.

IYD was first celebrated on August 12, 2000, after the UN General Assembly passed a resolution accepting the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon in 1998.

All persons between the ages of 15 and 24 qualify as youth, and according to 2010 statistics, they constitute 18% of the global population, with 87% of international youth residing in developing countries.

IYD themes have ranged from high unemployment rate and poor working conditions to youth civic engagement and youth and mental health.

​Source: UN.ORG, UNFPA.ORG