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Education is a powerful development multiplier that plays a pivotal role in accelerating progress across all the 17 global goals. Yet today, the world is facing a learning crisis. “Education today should combine knowledge, life skills and critical thinking”, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message for International Youth Day celebrated on 12 August 2019. “It should include information on sustainability and climate change. And it should advance gender equality, human rights and a culture of peace”.
It was against this backdrop that the 20th edition of International Youth Day was celebrated under the theme “Transforming Education”, putting a spotlight on the need for the international community to step up efforts to ensure that everyone has access to quality education.
Indeed, education needs to generate effective learning outcomes, with the content being fit for purpose, not only for the 4th industrial revolution and the future of work and life, but also for making informed decisions throughout one’s entire life.
The official commemoration of the Day, organized by UN DESA in collaboration with UNESCO, focused on inclusive education as part of the overall theme. The event featured an online panel discussion, bringing together UN representatives and young experts. The event explored innovations and challenges encountered in providing quality education to young refugees, indigenous youth, youth with disabilities and young women. It also highlighted pioneering partnerships dedicated to fostering inclusive education.
Thousands of UN entities, Member States and youth organizations from all corners of the world joined UN DESA and UNESCO in celebrating International Youth Day this year, showing support and engagement via social media and in-person at events.
International Youth Day was created in 1999 by the General Assembly as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth. International Youth Day also highlights efforts undertaken by young people themselves.
For more information: International Youth Day
Source: UN DESA Voice
