International Youth Day 2020: Amit Shah, Mamata Banerjee hail nation's 'greatest strength'; history and significance of day

First designated by the United Nations in the year 1999, International Youth Day aims to raise awareness about the legal and cultural issues concerning the youth.

After the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendations made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, the first International Youth Day was observed on 12 August, 2000.

The day highlights the importance of the youth as a future generation and the current driving force of change in the world, according to a report by Hindustan Times. A number of activities are organised across the world like concerts, workshops, cultural extravaganzas and meetings to engage the youth and give a platform for them to voice their thoughts, actions and initiatives.

As per the report, due to the COVID-10 pandemic, the UN is conducting an International Youth Day with a podcast discussion that will be hosted by the youth.

The theme for the year 2020 is 'Youth Engagement for Global Action'. The UN has put the spotlight on three areas - engagement at the community level, national level and global level.

As per a report by World Health Organization (WHO), youth engagement, as defined by the 2018 Global Consensus Statement, means an "inclusive, intentional, mutually-respectful partnership between young people and adults".

As per the global health body, youth engagement means that the ideas, perspectives, skills and strengths of the youth are integrated into the design and delivery of strategies, programmes, policies and funding mechanisms that affect their lives and the communities, countries and world.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu shared a message on Twitter where he urged young people across the world "to be active change agents in building a more equitable and sustainable world."

While Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the youth is the greatest strength and asset of any nation, his colleague Prakash Javadekar said the day "offers a chance to raise awareness of the need to ensure the engagement and participation of youth."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her government is committed to "empowering the youth", while Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio shared said he hopes the day will "pave way for meaningful engagements and bring about positive change."

The delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan, on its official Twitter page, shared a series of throwback images from the first Youth Climate Conclave where students and youth leaders captured the essence of nature through their lenses to mark the occasion.

The United Nations called the day an "opportunity to celebrate young peoples’ voices and action”. Meanwhile, spiritual leader Sadhguru said that if the youth becomes more conscious, "humanity will have a great future".



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