International Youth Day 2025 is one of the global occasions that highlights the role, rights, and responsibilities of young people in society. It is through this day that youth are encouraged to discuss issues that affect them and also provide space for them to participate in decision-making. Because we are all aware that the future of any nation lies in the hands of the youth. 

Therefore, celebrating their potential is not only important but also necessary, for it makes them understand their importance and role in society. The International Youth Day carries a completely unique theme to guide a global discussion and initiatives. International Youth Day 2025 will continue to focus on creating an inclusive environment. 

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International Youth Day 2025 Overview

International Youth Day 2025 provides an important platform to understand the challenges that young people face in modern times. According to the United Nations, this day also promotes awareness about how communities, institutions, and governments can support the development of youth in education, employment, climate action, mental health, and innovation.

The theme for International Youth Day 2025 is “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”. This theme focuses on making young people equal partners in building a future that is socially fair, economically strong, and environmentally safe.

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When is International Youth Day?

Most people are equipped with this inevitable question: When is International Youth Day? Then we have got everyone covered, as every year International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12. The date was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999. Since then, August 12 has been observed globally as a day to recognize the energy, creativity, and commitment of young people. 

In the year 2025, this International Youth Day falls on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The day is going to be celebrated with multiple events throughout, including government initiatives, cultural programs, and educational workshops. In fact, in celebrating this day with much cheer schools, colleges, NGOs, and international organizations often take part in the celebrations. They make sure to organize awareness campaigns and interactive sessions with young leaders.

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Why is International Youth Day Celebrated?

For all those wondering about why is International Youth Day celebrated, here we answer this question. So, the International Youth Day serves to bring attention to various social, economic, and political challenges that young people face today. These include issues such as unemployment, lack of access to quality education, inequality, mental health concerns, and climate anxiety.

This International Youth Day 2025 celebration is not only about identifying problems but also about encouraging the youth to be part of the solution. It is a call to action for governments, civil society, educational institutions, and individuals to support and empower the youth through policy, awareness, and opportunities. Check out some of the reasons that have been mentioned below on why is International Youth Day celebrated:

• Raise awareness about youth-related issues.
• Promote engagement of youth in public life.
• Encourage governments to create youth-friendly policies.
• Recognize and celebrate the achievements of young people.
• Offer a platform for youth to voice their ideas and opinions.

International Youth Day 2025 Theme

International Youth Day 2025 theme focuses on “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” This theme highlights how youth are contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through community-level actions. These goals include ending poverty, improving education, ensuring health and well-being, fighting climate change, and promoting peace and justice.

The main aim of this theme is to encourage the youth and support them in leading local campaigns. This is done by creating solutions and taking small but powerful steps to make things better. In 2025, International Youth Day aims to cover several aspects like: 

• Showcase successful youth-led actions for the SDGs.
• Promote youth participation in decision-making.
• Encourage funding and support for local youth initiatives.
• Create awareness about the impact of small actions at the community level.

Youth Related Programs in India

We are all aware that India has been home to one of the largest youth populations in the world. This definitely provides the nation with lots of potential and responsibilities that come with the demographic advantages. Therefore, the Indian government has implemented various youth-related programs in India to support their development and well-being. Mentioned here are some of the Youth Related Programs in India that one can refer to:

1. National Youth Policy (NYP)

The National Youth Policy focuses on empowering youth between 15 to 29 years of age. It lays out a framework for action in areas such as education, employment, entrepreneurship, health, sports, and participation in politics and community service.

2. Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)

NYKS works at the grassroots level to organize youth in villages and towns. It encourages voluntary work and community service among young people and helps in building leadership skills.

3. National Service Scheme (NSS)

NSS is a central program that engages college and university students in community service. It aims to develop the personality of students through social activities and contribute to national development.

4. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

This program helps youth by offering free skill development training in different sectors, which increases their chances of finding employment or starting their own businesses.

5. Youth Parliament Scheme

The Youth Parliament is an innovative program where students get a chance to participate in mock parliament sessions. It promotes knowledge about parliamentary processes and encourages political participation.

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National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development

National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development, which is often abbreviated as NPYAD, is one of the special initiatives by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This programme aims to develop the personality and leadership qualities of young people and adolescents through structured activities and events. Listed below are some of the objectives that this programme aims to achieve: 

• To provide financial assistance to youth organizations for running youth development programs.
• To promote youth participation in nation-building.
• To encourage activities that focus on national integration, cultural exchange, and personality development.

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