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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.
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!
Open Call for Entry: Submit Your Youth Digital Initiatives for International Youth Day 2024!
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.
Submission Information:
- Deadline for Submission: 8 July 2024
- Submission Method: Please complete and submit the online entry form.
- Selection Criteria:
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.
For more information about the #YouthDay, please visit: https://social.desa.un.org/Issues/Youth/events/international-youth-day-2024
