United Nations International Youth Day 2016

August 12 is International Youth Day and the theme for this year is: “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production,” with a special focus on SDG 12. This year’s Day is about turning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into reality. The Day will focus on the leading role young people play in eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production.

Sustainable consumption is all about the use of products that meet the basic needs of communities while keeping in mind the needs of future generations. The promotion of choices that increase the eco-efficiency of consumption and minimize waste and pollution is critical to achieving equitable socioeconomic development. That said, many young people continue to face barriers to making green choices. These barriers include the high prices of goods and services and lack of information about what options are available. By focusing on the social development dimensions of sustainable consumption and production, this year’s theme emphasizes a cross-sectoral approach to sustainability and the social, political, economic and environmental interlinkages needed to achieve it.

In 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the General Assembly declared August 12 International Youth Day, which gives an opportunity to celebrate young peoples’ views and initiatives. Celebrations at the United Nations Headquarters and around the world will recognize the importance of youth efforts, collaboration and participation in the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and in particular the role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable production and consumption. Events to celebrate International Youth Day 2016 will take place all over the world.

About the event at UN headquarters marking the event 
The event will highlight how young people contribute to sustainable consumption and production and will feature speakers who will discuss different elements of the production and consumption cycles.
The event will also explore how youth continue to provide new ideas and alternatives to development challenges and are active in seeking a renewed vision of consumption and production that is necessary to combat climate change, protect the environment, create decent employment opportunities and build inclusive, equitable societies.

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