International Youth Day (IYD) is every year on August 12th. It is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. Despite the fact that they are among the most affected by the multiple and often interlinked forms of violence, youth also play active roles as agents of positive change.
The theme for this year’s International Youth Day is “Youth Building Peace.” Since the adoption of the Security Council Resolution in 2015, there is growing recognition that as agents of change, young people’s inclusion in the peace and security agenda and in society more broadly, is key to building and sustaining peace. Another Security Council Resolution in 2016 reaffirms the important role youth can play in deterring and resolving conflicts, and are key constituents in ensuring the success of both peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.
Here at Sahar we acknowledge and support the power of the youth. Through our computer centers, teacher training centers, and early marriage prevention program, we actively empower youth to become the future leaders of tomorrow.
How are you celebrating International Youth Day? Join the conversation using the hashtags #YouthDay and #Youth4Peace.
