Thursday -12th August, 2021: Every August 12 is declared as International Youth Day.

International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth.

The year 2021 International Youth Day is themed “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, highlights the success of global effort which cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of youth.

According to the UN, the 2021 ECOSOC Youth Forum (EYF), the issues and priorities highlighted by young participants included the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly related to its effect on human health, the environment, and food systems.

According to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, “young people are on the frontlines of the struggle to build a better future for all. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dire need for the kind of transformational change they seek and young people must be full partners in that effort”.

As the COVID-19 affect all segments of the population, the UN recognized youth for playing key and important role in the management of the pandemic and the recovery following the outbreak.

Youths, according to UN are positive force for development when provided with the knowledge and opportunities.