Global Launch of the International Year of Youth

United Nations, Thursday, 12 August 2010

The Year was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly through its resolution 64/134, which calls upon Governments, the United Nations system, and civil society to recognize the contributions that youth make to society and to address the challenges they face. The Year provides an important opportunity to increase commitment to youth, promote youth participation and enhance inter-cultural dialogue and understanding among youth.

Background on the International Year of Youth

In December 2009, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 64/134 proclaiming the International Year of Youth from 12 August 2010 to 11 August 2011. Under the theme International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding, the Year aims to reach across generations, cultures, religions and civilizations and promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and solidarity. Youth organizations, Governments, and civil society are encouraged to celebrate the Year by holding activities to showcase youth contributions to development, promote mutual understanding, and highlight the benefits and significance of youth participation in all aspects of society. The Year aims to generate much needed attention for youth development and to provide an impetus among youth organizations to form partnerships and foster dedication to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.

How can YOUTH promote and celebrate the Year?

* Organize an event: The UN Programme on Youth has developed, together with NGO partners, an Activities Kit that provides guidance on organizing an event to celebrate the Year. The Kit includes practical advice and effective strategies on how to promote your event; engage the media; develop partnerships; build a constituency of supporters and much more.

* Post an event on the UN’s official Calendar of Events for the Year: Visit social.un.org/iyyevents and submit an Event Registration Form. If you wish to attach the official logo of the year to promotional materials, please follow the Guidelines posted on the website.

* Participate in local events: Visit the Calendar of Events to learn about activities taking place in your community and around the world. Also, subscribe to Youth Flash, the UN’s monthly newsletter at www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/flash.htm, to learn about youth-related activities and publications.

* Contribute to online discussions: Monthly consultations are held on Facebook to encourage youth from around the world to share their views on various aspects of the Year. Topics have included: contributions for low-cost ideas for celebration activities; suggestions to increase the effectiveness of youth participation and representation at the community level; ideas for engaging the media to raise public awareness and ways to increase dialogue and understanding among the UN, Governments and youth. To participate, please visit facebook.com/UNyouth and follow the link.

* Raise public awareness: Download the International Year of Youth banner from the official website and post a link on your webpage.