More than half the worlds population is under 30, and young people are leading grassroots efforts on issues from climate action to equality. Marking International Youth Day on Tuesday, the UN is highlighting the power of youth to transform their communities and the wider world.

As the world celebrates International Youth Day on Monday, the UN chief is emphasising the importance of empowerment and equality for young people to reach the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Agricultural land is more than just a resource to produce food for many older adults around the world, a land deed is the only safety net they have as they enter their old age. As a result, they hold onto it tightly.

Observed each year on 12 August, theDaydraws attention to the rights, contributions and challenges of young people everywhere.

This years theme emphasises how grassroots youth engagement is vital to achieving theSustainable Development Goals(SDGs) and shaping more just, inclusive societies.

Young people are bold innovators, resilient organisers and essential partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,UNSecretary-General Antnio Guterressaid in amessagemarking the day.

They are driving sustainable development, building more inclusive communities, forging peace, and demanding a fairer, greener and more just future.

Youth-led solutions work

Mr. Guterres also had a direct message to young people worldwide.

To every young person: your voice, ideas and leadership matter,he said.

Let us work together to support youth-led solutions and build a more just, peaceful and sustainable world, from the ground up.

A generation that believes...

Todays young people are coming of age at a moment of extraordinary global change.

According to UN data, half of the worlds population is 30 or younger, which is expected to rise to 57 per cent by 2030. Those under 25 today will make up over 90 per cent of the global prime-age workforce by 2050.

In addition, an international survey of over 27,000 respondents in 26 countries on challenges faced by people in public lives revealed that 67 per cent believe in a better future, with 15 to 17-year-olds expressing the most optimism.

Despite their immense potential for good, young people continue to face systemic challenges.

Chronic job shortage

Youth unemployment, although at a 15-year low, still stands at 13 per cent globally.

Among 10 to 19-year-olds, one in seven experience a mental health disorder. In low- and middle-income countries, nearly six in ten 10-year-olds cannot read and comprehend a simple paragraph.

International Youth Day 2025 aims to highlight not only the urgency of these issues, but also the solutions already being forged by youth themselves in their communities, cities and countries.

As Mr. Guterres emphasised:Global progress begins in communities. And in every corner of the world, young people are leading the way.

Nairobi to host global commemoration

This years official observance will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, organized in collaboration withUN-Habitat, the UN agency focused on sustainable urban development.

Tuesdays event will bring together youth leaders, city officials, policymakers and UN officials to showcase solutions and strategies for strengthening youth engagement in local development.

International Youth Day was first proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1999, building on the World Programme of Action for Youth adopted in 1995.