International Youth Day 2025: Why Young Voices Matter More Than Ever

"The youth are the hope of our future, and they hold the power to bring about change."

Celebrating a Generation of Global Change

There’s a pulse of energy felt across the globe. It’s the sound of old problems being met with new ideas, of hashtags turning into movements, and of a generation that refuses to wait for a future they can start building today. 

Every year on August 12th, International Youth Day, we turn up the volume on these voices. It's more than just a date on the calendar; it's a global spotlight on the single greatest force for change our world has: its young people.

This year, the focus on "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond" is a powerful reminder that a single, unified force is driving the global goals for a sustainable future: One Generation of motivated young people. They are not just tomorrow's leaders—they are the active architects of a new era.

The Power of One Generation

The name 1GEN reflects this very idea. It's a recognition that across the world, today’s youth share a common purpose—to create lasting positive change. They are not just dreamers; they are active architects of a new era. 

They are taking the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from climate action and gender equality to quality education, and turning them into projects that truly matter in their communities. This generation understands that every small action contributes to a larger, global impact. Their unique perspectives are helping to bridge the gap between policy and practice, making global goals relevant and achievable on a local level.

The Unstoppable Drive for a Better World

Look around you. Young people aren't just talking about change; they are its engine.

They are the students turning campus sustainability drives into city-wide movements against single-use plastics. They are the young entrepreneurs launching apps to reduce food waste and connect surplus meals with those in need. They are the artists, coders, and activists building powerful online and offline communities for peace and justice. Despite facing immense challenges, this generation’s blend of pragmatism and passion is sparking a powerful wave of social innovation and action.

How We Empower Their Impact

Young people need real strategies to become active changemakers instead of passive observers. That is why we create platforms like the Futures Design Hackathon, where youth come together to collaborate for SDG 13 (Climate Change), build, and share. This hands-on approach helps amplify their voices and enables them to build confidence to create meaningful change. Through this and other initiatives, we also have the privilege of showcasing inspiring, youth-based impact stories that prove what's possible.

True empowerment also comes from fostering intergenerational partnerships where young and experienced people work together as equal partners. Additionally, digital tools give youth new ways to make their voices heard, helping them build critical skills and reach wider audiences. Providing access to funding and resources is also crucial, enabling them to launch and grow projects that promote dialogue and progress.

By combining storytelling, cross-generational partnerships, digital tools, and funding, we create an ecosystem where their passion for change can thrive and translate into meaningful, measurable impact.

The Future is in Their Hands, Now.

On this International Youth Day, let's celebrate the courage, creativity, and resilience of every young person who dares to make a difference. Their collective actions are a living testament to the fact that the future isn’t some distant destination; it is a reality being constructed in the here and now.

This is the very spirit that inspires us. It's the belief that when passion meets purpose, anything is possible. Together, let's continue to champion the generation that proves, every single day, that We Make Awesome Happen.