2009 International Youth Day Focuses on Challenge of Sustainability

The theme for International Youth Day this year is "Sustainability: Our Challenge. Our Future." International Youth Day is held on August 12 every year. It was endorsed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1999 to promote awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY), a policy framework and practical guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young people around the world.

The theme of sustainability insists not only on environmental sustainability but also points to the need for sustainable societies and economies. Because, as we have all witnessed, "the negative effects of unsustainable behaviour are not easily contained," this year's International Youth Day is promoting a truly "global sense of social responsibility," (read more at the UN's International Youth Day website).

A number of activities are organized around International Youth Day, including a Shoot Nations photo competition and an International Youth Day essay competition (organized by Youthink! at the World Bank). The UN wants to know how you will be commemorating International Youth Day in your country. Email the UN here.

At the Middle East Youth Initiative, we are especially interested in hearing what "sustainability" means to you and why it is of particular importance to current and future citizens of the Middle East. Send us an email here.