In 1985, the United Nations celebrated the first International Year of Youth. On its 10th anniversary, the General
Assembly adopted the World Programme of Action for Youth, setting a policy framework and guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young people. Fifteen priority areas were adopted by the General Assembly. International Youth Day serves to raise awareness of those priority areas which include education, employment, hunger and poverty, health, drug abuse, juvenile delinquency among others.
Many countries participate in this global event, which may include youth conferences on issues such as education and employment. Other activities include concerts promoting the world’s youth, as well as various sporting events, parades and mobile exhibitions that showcase young people’s achievements.
The theme of the 2017 International Youth Day is Youth Building Peace. According to the United Nations, “International Youth Day 2017 is dedicated to celebrating young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace.”
In recognition of International Youth Day, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society recommits to support and promote the well-being of vulnerable youth in our communities.
