The history of International Youth Day dates back to 1991 when a group of young people first proposed the idea at the World Youth Forum of the United Nations system in Vienna, Austria. The original objective was to establish a fund-raising and promotion day to support the United Nations Youth Fund in partnership with youth organisations. In 1998, the United Nations adopted a resolution officially declaring 12th August as International Youth Day, highlighting the importance of youth in building a better world. Each year, a different theme is selected to highlight specific problems and encourage young people to find creative solutions. The theme of the 2024 International Youth Day is "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," highlighting the role of youth in achieving sustainable development.  

The aim of the International Youth Day is to mobilise young people and provide them with a reliable platform to express their problems, ideas and solutions. You can also be part of this legendary day. Organise concerts, seminars, cultural events and meetings at school or at work to promote environmental protection, economic stability and social justice. You will be doing your part to create a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone. 

Since the beginning, young people have always been the driving force that brings change in our society with their innovative ideas, energy and commitment. With the many changes happeningin the world, we need the young people more than ever today to use their skills to drive change and create a sustainable future. Here are some specific  ways you can contribute to sustainable development: 

1. Use technology to drive innovation 

With emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT), this generation is at the forefront of digital innovation. You can use these technologies to solve environmental problems. You can develop apps and platforms that promote and show the right path to recycling, reducing waste and encouraging communities to adopt more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. 

2. Organise and manage community projects 

You can initiate and lead community projects such as clean-up drives, planting trees, recycling used cell phones, and organising lectures from experts on waste reduction as a step towards environmental conservation. These projects can raise awareness about various environmental challenges and educate people about their role and responsibility in creating a better future. 

3. Become a promoter of sustainable development 

Through social networks, seminars, conferences and discussion forums, such as TED talks, you can raise awareness about important issues such as climate change, deforestation and pollution. You have the power to influence political decisions and encourage people and even governments to take action towards a sustainable future. 

4. Collaborate with others on International Youth Day 

Take advantage of this remarkable day to connect with people from different countries and collaborate on sustainable development projects. You can share ideas, learn from each other, and develop joint initiatives through global forums and online platforms. It will help you build new connections and become a global citizen. 

English is the de facto language of our world. It is also the language of the internet. By developing strong English language skills, you will have the power to converse with 1.46 billion people worldwide who speak English and contribute to sustainable development. 

• Connect with others: English is the global language of communication. Strong English skills will help you connect with peers around the world, share ideas, and work together on solutions for global issues. 
• Access to vast knowledge: A large amount of information about sustainability research and the best practices on the internet and even offline is available in English. By improving your English, you can access this knowledge base, learn from experts and apply this knowledge to your own projects. 
• Become an advocate for change: With strong English skills, you can write articles, deliver presentations and influence policy changes that benefit the environment. 

International Youth Day is a reminder you have the power to create a sustainable future. By using your creativity, energy and commitment, you can create a pathway and make our world a better place for generations to come. If you are passionate about sustainability and want to improve your English to become a better communicator, collaborator and innovator, join English Path. Explore our language courses to improve your English communication skills and join the sustainable movement for a brighter tomorrow.