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Each year, International Youth Day (IYD) is assigned a theme; a conceptual slogan that communicates the scope, direction, and objectives of the year’s youth initiatives and also provides a unifying banner from under which individuals can draw the inspiration to take action. As you know, this year’s International Youth Day will represent the culmination of the International Year of Youth (IYY) - designated by the United Nations to comprise the 12 month period between IYD 2010 and IYD 2011 - and the 25th Anniversary of the first International Year of Youth. As such, “Change Our World” has been chosen as the theme for IYD 2011 as it not only expresses the level of impact that young people strive to achieve, but also reflects the notion of a global community that is a core principle of the United Nations.
“Change Our World” is meant to be a call to inspire youth initiatives at all levels with the idea that efforts at the local level can have a global impact. Youth are well attuned to modern forms of communication that have the capacity to connect people from all over the world with ease, and at an unprecedented speed. UNPY encourages the use of social media & networking tools as platforms for raising awareness and promoting activities, empowering youth, and enabling them to quite literally change our world.
It should be stressed that “Change Our World” is a call for continual, long lasting progress in areas of societal development that concern youth. Therefore, while the support of the private sector, governments, and civil society organisations is important, what’s most necessary is that young people be actively involved and that they claim ownership of this positive effort.
Celebrate International Youth Day by participating in the Change Your World 2011 contest: find out more on Facebook.
For more information, please visit the International Youth Day website.
