Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: Unveiling the Significance of Green Skills on International Youth Day 2023

International Youth Day 2023

Each year on August 12, International Youth Day is observed to bring attention to global youth-related concerns and to acknowledge the valuable contributions of young people to society. This annual event has been celebrated for the past twenty years, starting in 1999. During that year, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially approved the proposal put forth by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, which had taken place in Lisbon from August 8 to August 12, 1998. As a result, August 12 was designated as World Youth Day, and it has since been commemorated as a special occasion to focus on matters concerning the youth population across the world.

International Youth Day Theme 2023

The theme for the 2023 International Youth Day is ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’. This theme centers around “green skills,” which are defined as the knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes required to thrive in, contribute to, and endorse a society that is sustainable and efficient in its use of resources. According to reports from the United Nations (UN), these green skills play a crucial role in shaping a more environmentally responsible future. It’s noteworthy that the inaugural International Youth Day was celebrated on August 12, 2000, marking the beginning of the annual observance dedicated to addressing youth-related concerns and acknowledging their significant role in shaping global progress.

International Youth Day 2023- Purpose

As the world progresses toward embracing more eco-friendly practices, the move toward establishing an environmentally sustainable and resilient world is of utmost importance. This shift isn’t just vital in addressing the worldwide climate crisis but also in attaining the objectives outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A pivotal factor in facilitating a seamless transition toward a sustainable future lies in enabling individuals to acquire green skills.

Beyond the all-encompassing skills that incorporate diverse knowledge, values, and mindsets, crucial for making environmentally conscious decisions in both professional and personal spheres, the SDGs encompass specialized technical knowledge and abilities. These specialized skills are essential for effectively implementing green technologies and processes in various occupational environments. In essence, fostering green skills among the population is essential not only for addressing environmental challenges but also for achieving holistic sustainable development.

International Youth Day 2023 Celebration

The celebrations for International Youth Day 2023 have the primary objective of promoting awareness about green skills and their significance in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This celebration also seeks to emphasize the crucial role that young people play in the transition towards environmentally sustainable practices. Additionally, there is a focus on educating stakeholders to equip them with the necessary knowledge and information to comprehend the importance of green skills for the youth population. The event serves as a platform to spotlight policies and strategies that can foster the development of green skills among young individuals, offering an inclusive environment for the exchange of perspectives on related subjects.

During the International Youth Day festivities, various cultural, social, and celebratory events are organized by governmental and non-governmental bodies, as well as educational institutions and similar organizations. These activities are aimed at making the day truly magnificent.

To mark the official observance of International Youth Day 2023, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) organised a worldwide webinar in partnership with the UN Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth, hosted by the International Labour Organization, and Generation Unlimited. This global webinar serves as a crucial platform to provide essential information and data related to green skills for youth. It aimed to facilitate discussions and foster the exchange of ideas surrounding this theme. The webinar includes insights from international organizations, national governments, and young experts actively engaged in the field of green skills.

Moreover, in support of the celebrations for International Youth Day 2023, knowledge products have been developed.

The panel discussion was made on the following topics:

Panel 1: Skills for Green Jobs

Panel 2: Green Skills and Sustainable Lifestyles

Panel 3: Skills for A Just Green Transition

These resources are designed to assist and motivate various stakeholders to partake in the observance of the day within their distinct contexts and roles. This webinar likely offers guidance, information, and inspiration to encourage a meaningful and impactful recognition of International Youth Day 2023.

Link to the webinar: https://www.youtube.com/live/Sh_FgzF0Mvg?feature=share