International Day of Youth

In resolution 54/120, the United Nations declared the 12th August as the International Day of Youth - a day dedicated to celebrating on a global scale the achievements of all young people who with their work actively contribute to society. This year's International Day of Youth also marks the start of the UN International Year of Youth.

Under the theme Dialogue and Mutual understanding the International Year of Youth has been launched to foster dialogue and understanding among generations and promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and freedoms, and solidarity.

This year, the UN is urging all sectors of society to work in partnership with youth and youth organisations to better understand the needs and concerns of young people, and to integrate youth-related issues into global, regional, and national development agendas.

A number of events will be organised around the International Year of Youth, starting with the highlight of this year - the World Youth Conference, due to take place in Monterrey, Mexico on the dates 23. - 27. August 2010.

For more information on UN's International Year of Youth, check the documents below and visit the International Year of Youth website at http://social.un.org/youthyear/.