International Youth Day : Youth and Climate Change: time for action
International Youth Day (IYD) will be celebrated on August 12 in countries around the world. IYD gives the world an opportunity to recognise the potential of youth, to celebrate their achievements, and plan for ways to better engage young people to successfully take action in the development of their societies. It presents a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to rally together to ensure that young people are included in decision-making at all levels.
The theme of this year is Youth and Climate Change: time for action. The selection of this theme for IYD 2008 is in recognition of the fact that climate change has already begun to devastate communities and deepen the effects of poverty and hunger. This situation complicates the challenges that youth face. However, young people are increasingly adding their voices to the call for action on climate change.
“International Youth Day is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the action young people can take against climate change. We know young people around the globe possess the collective power to change their lives, their communities and the world we live in, “ says World YWCA General Secretary Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda.
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