Youth is the future of the nation, as the youth has the power to develop the country and move it forward. The youth can bring social reform and improvement in society, the nation requires their participation to achieve the goals and help in taking the country towards progress. But youth face many problems, and to recognize these problems faced by the youth International Youth Day is celebrated every year on August 12.
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International Youth Day 2021: Theme
Every year, the day is celebrated with a theme that is relevant to every community and citizen, across the globe. This year the theme of the day is – “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.” According to the United Nations' Department of Economic and Social Affairs Youth, the aim of the theme is, “to highlight that the success of such a global effort will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people.”
UN further said that some crucial changes must be addressed, these crucial challenges include; the interlinkages embodied by the 2030 Agenda including poverty reduction; social inclusion; health care; biodiversity conservation; and climate change mitigation.
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International Youth Day 2021: History
The decision to commemorate youth day, internationally, was taken in 1999 by the United Nations. It was decided after the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon to the UN General Assembly.
International Youth Day 2021: Celebrations
The day can be celebrated by organizing awareness campaigns, community concerts and events, which could emphasize the importance to raise awareness about the issues faced by the youth. As per the official website of the UN, this year, International Youth Day will be virtually convened by DESA in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Major Group for Children and Youth.
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International Youth Day 2021: Quotes
1. “Dream, Dream, Dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.” – APJ Abdul Kalam
2. “A few heart-whole, sincere, and energetic men and women can do more in a year than a mob in a century.” – Swami Vivekananda
3. “Youth offers the promise of happiness, but life offers the realities of grief.” – Nicholas Sparks
4. “Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is a matter of the will, quality of the imagination, the vigor of the emotions.” – Samuel Ullman
5. “Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” – Franz Kafka
International Youth Day 2021: United Nation’s message
UN-Secretary Antonio Guterres, in a video message, said, “This year's International Youth Day will be on solutions developed by young innovators to address challenges to our food systems.”
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UN’s official website read, “During the 2021 ECOSOC Youth Forum (EYF), the issues and priorities highlighted by young participants included the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly related to its effect on human health, the environment, and food systems.” The website further highlighted “the need for youth to make informed decisions on food choices through increasing global education on the healthiest and most sustainable options for both individuals and the environment.”