Join us in celebrating the power of youth and digital innovation on International Youth Day 2024! Discover how young minds are harnessing technology to create sustainable solutions for our world's most pressing challenges.
The theme for International Youth Day 2024 (12 August) is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” This theme highlights the key connection between digitalization and accelerating the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the crucial contributions of young people in this transformative process.
Digital transformation is one of the six key transitions with "catalytic and multiplier effects across the SDGs” and a significant determinant for achieving the Goals 1. Technologies like mobile devices, digital platforms, and emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence play a crucial role in advancing the SDGs. Data generated from every digital interaction is fundamental to digital transformation, enabling evidence-based decision-making. It is estimated that digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets, bringing about a profound impact across their economic, social, and environmental dimensions 2.
While challenges such as digital divide persist, young people are often considered “digital natives,” being at the forefront of adopting and innovating with new technologies. They form the largest demographic of users and developers shaping digital trends globally. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, youth remain an essential demographic group in leveraging the transformative power of technologies to address global challenges.
Download Concept Note
For the observance of International Youth Day 2024, UN DESA collaborates with key partners, including International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UN-Habitat, and UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Together, these partnerships will highlight the transformative potential of youth-driven digital solutions in advancing sustainable development.
UN DESA, together with the partners, coordinates a series of products to officially commemorate the Day. This includes:
- Case Study Infographics: The official commemoration product for International Youth Day 2024, showcasing a collection of youth digital solutions and innovative initiatives aimed at accelerating SDG implementation.
- Interactive Online Quizzes: Learning tools designed to enhance knowledge and understanding of how digital technologies contribute to advancing the SDGs.
- Social Media Toolkit: Social media resources that amplify the message of International Youth Day and its 2024 theme with key messages, data, and insights. It will provide visual assets for download, encouraging individuals to celebrate the day within their communities and roles.
For more information, please stay tuned to our official communication channels. Join us in celebrating the innovative digital solution by and for youth and their contributions to a sustainable future!
Challenge yourself with #YouthDay quizzes!
Take these International Youth Day 2024 quizzes to test your knowledge on topics concerning youth and digital innovation! The goal of these quizzes is to help highlight some of the challenges and opportunities youth are experiencing and leading to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs through digital technologies. In honour of International Youth Day 2024, we invite you to join us in learning more about Youth and Internet Usage, Digital Divides, Space, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an enabler for the SDGs.
Open Call for Entry: Submit Your Youth Digital Initiatives for International Youth Day 2024!
** This call has been CLOSED **
Seize the opportunity to have your youth digital initiatives featured in the official UN International Youth Day 2024 product!Submit your innovative projects and contribute to showcasing the impactful role of young people in driving digital solutions for sustainable development
We invite you to submit your youth-led or youth-focused digital solutions that address the SDGs. Selected initiatives will be featured in the UN's official International Youth Day 2024 case study infographics and shared across UN communication channels.
Digital: The initiative must leverage digital technology in its implementation, promoting digital access and inclusion.
Youth-Focus: The initiative should be led by youth and/or engage young people in its implementation process or outcomes.
SDG Alignment: The initiative must address one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Impact: The initiative should demonstrate a measurable impact, showcasing positive results.
Innovation: The initiative should present an innovative approach, highlighting unique solutions or methods.
We look forward to your entries! Your contributions are invaluable in showcasing the powerful role of young people in driving digital solutions for sustainable development in diverse contexts.
FAQs
Theme 2024: From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development. International Youth Day 2024 (IYD) is themed “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” It emphasizes the role of digital technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What is the theme of International Youth Day 2024? ›
The theme for this year is "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development." This theme highlights the intersection of youth, digital innovation, and sustainable development, emphasising the crucial role young people play in using digital technologies to drive sustainable progress.
What are youth digital pathways for sustainable development? ›
This initiative aims to transform and strengthen the foundations of youth development programming and ecosystems in African countries, ensuring that young people have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive and lead.
What is the meaning of from clicks to progress youth digital pathways for sustainable development? ›
The theme for International Youth Day 2024 (12 August) is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” This theme highlights the key connection between digitalization and accelerating the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the crucial contributions of ...
What is the purpose of International Youth Day? ›
International Youth Day recognises and celebrates the contributions of young volunteers and activists who are pushing for positive change around the world as youngsters serve as catalysts for peace and prosperity, not only in their local communities but on the global stage.
Why is Youth Day celebrated? ›
How is Youth Day celebrated? Youth Day is a day to recognise the role which the youth of South Africa played in the eventual liberation of the country from the Apartheid regime. On the day commemoration events are held across the country. Musical concerts are also held, to celebrate the energy that the youth have.
What is the theme of the International Year of 2024? ›
The UN has designated 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. Camels, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos are an important source of livelihood for millions of families - most of them pastoralists - in dryland and mountainous rangeland ecosystems around the world.
How can a youth contribute to sustainable development? ›
Green skills cover areas such as renewable energy, waste reduction, conservation, sustainable agriculture, and more. By acquiring these skills, young people can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable development and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
What is an example of sustainable Digitalization? ›
Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and blockchain can also accelerate and maximise the effects of environmental measures. A thriving digital ecosystem can bring forth the innovative green companies that will tackle the climate crisis.
How can digital transformation help sustainability? ›
How does digital transformation benefit sustainability?
- Resource optimization. Digital transformation supports you in optimizing your resources. ...
- Improved efficiency. ...
- Data-driven decisions. ...
- Remote work. ...
- Reduction in paper usage. ...
- Supply chain transparency. ...
- Lower physical footprint. ...
- Digital products/services.
What is digital sustainability and why is it important? Digital sustainability is what we can do to reduce our impact on the planet's resources. Not just at work, but in all areas of our lives where we use digital. Many people assume that digital technology is 'clean' because it doesn't create visible pollution.
What is the slogan for youth digital pathways for sustainable development? ›
From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development | UNESCO.
What is the goal of the sustainability movement? ›
The goal of sustainability is to create a holistic approach to human health, economy, and happiness. A stable and clean environment is an important part of that vision, but so, too, are issues like ending poverty, creating dynamic community infrastructure, and guaranteeing gender equity.
What is the theme for Youth Day 2024? ›
International Youth Day 2024: Theme
The theme of the International Youth Day this year is 'From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development. ' Youngsters are at the forefront of digital adoption and technology.
What to do for International Youth Day? ›
Try to involve young people in the domains of culture, arts and music, to raise awareness on youth-related issues. Write to your Minister of Youth to inform him or her about the challenges young people face in their daily lives and to suggest solutions.
Will there be a World Youth Day in 2024? ›
Pope Francis has announced that the next World Youth Days (WYD), which will be celebrated at diocesan level in 2023 and 2024, on the solemnity of Christ the King of both years, will have the theme of 'Hope' at their center.
What is the theme of this year's World Youth Day? ›
| Date | Theme |
|---|
| 21 November 2021 (originally 28 March 2021) | Stand up! I appoint you as witnesses of what you have seen. (Acts 26:16) |
| 20 November 2022 | Mary arose and went with haste. (Lk 1:39) |
| 26 November 2023 | Rejoicing in hope. (Rom 12:12) |
| 24 November 2024 | Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary. (Is 40:31) |
22 more rowsJubilee Year in Rome - The Jubilee of Young People
The Jubilee of Young People will take place on July 28, 2025, forming an intermediary celebration between WYD Lisbon in 2023, and WYD Seoul in 2027.
How to wish Youth Day? ›
Happy Youth Day! May your passion for life and relentless pursuit of excellence lead you to extraordinary heights. Wishing you courage to face challenges, strength to overcome obstacles, and resilience to bounce back stronger. May you always have the courage to follow your dreams and the wisdom to make them a reality.
