International Youth Day 2024 "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development"

Join us in celebrating the power of youth and digital innovation on International Youth Day 2024! Discover how young minds are harnessing technology to create sustainable solutions for our world's most pressing challenges.

The theme for International Youth Day 2024 (12 August) is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” This theme highlights the key connection between digitalization and accelerating the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the crucial contributions of young people in this transformative process.

Digital transformation is one of the six key transitions with "catalytic and multiplier effects across the SDGs” and a significant determinant for achieving the Goals ¹. Technologies like mobile devices, digital platforms, and emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence play a crucial role in advancing the SDGs. Data generated from every digital interaction is fundamental to digital transformation, enabling evidence-based decision-making. It is estimated that digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets, bringing about a profound impact across their economic, social, and environmental dimensions ².

While challenges such as digital divide persist, young people are often considered “digital natives,” being at the forefront of adopting and innovating with new technologies. They form the largest demographic of users and developers shaping digital trends globally. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, youth remain an essential demographic group in leveraging the transformative power of technologies to address global challenges.

Download Concept Note

For the observance of International Youth Day 2024, UN DESA collaborates with key partners, including International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UN-Habitat, and UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Together, these partnerships will highlight the transformative potential of youth-driven digital solutions in advancing sustainable development.

UN DESA, together with the partners, coordinates a series of products to officially commemorate the Day. This includes:

• Case Study Infographics: The official commemoration product for International Youth Day 2024, showcasing a collection of youth digital solutions and innovative initiatives aimed at accelerating SDG implementation.
• Interactive Online Quizzes: Learning tools designed to enhance knowledge and understanding of how digital technologies contribute to advancing the SDGs.
• Social Media Toolkit: Social media resources that amplify the message of International Youth Day and its 2024 theme with key messages, data, and insights. It will provide visual assets for download, encouraging individuals to celebrate the day within their communities and roles.

For more information, please stay tuned to our official communication channels. Join us in celebrating the innovative digital solution by and for youth and their contributions to a sustainable future!

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s Message

Available in English | Français | Español | Русский | عربي | 汉语

Message from UN DESA’s Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua

Message from International Youth Day Partners

Video message from Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, ITU

Video message from Michal Mlynár, UN Habitat's Assistant Secretary-General and Acting Executive Director

Video message from Carol Roach, Chair IGF for the International Youth Day 2024

International Youth Day 2024 Case Study Infographics for Youth Digital Solutions

We are excited to present the International Youth Day 2024 case study infographics available for viewing here. These infographics showcase the collection of compelling youth-led and youth-focused digital initiatives selected in celebration of International Youth Day 2024. The chosen solutions were identified through an open call launched in July 2024, bringing together various youth initiatives carried out by partners and individuals around the world. We showcase these initiatives to spotlight the critical contributions of young people in advancing the SDGs through utilizing digital means and technologies and illustrate how they are driving impactful progress toward creating a better future for all. Explore the infographics to discover how young people are making differences through transformative digital solutions.

Visit the International Youth Day 2024 Trello Board

IYD 2024 Trello Board is now available! Access the Trello Board to download and share the IYD resources, social media toolkits, logos, and many other visual assets.

Challenge yourself with #YouthDay quizzes!

Take these International Youth Day 2024 quizzes to test your knowledge on topics concerning youth and digital innovation! The goal of these quizzes is to help highlight some of the challenges and opportunities youth are experiencing and leading to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs through digital technologies. In honour of International Youth Day 2024, we invite you to join us in learning more about Youth and Internet Usage, Digital Divides, Space, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an enabler for the SDGs.

Open Call for Entry: Submit Your Youth Digital Initiatives for International Youth Day 2024!

** This call has been CLOSED **

Seize the opportunity to have your youth digital initiatives featured in the official UN International Youth Day 2024 product! Submit your innovative projects and contribute to showcasing the impactful role of young people in driving digital solutions for sustainable development

We invite you to submit your youth-led or youth-focused digital solutions that address the SDGs. Selected initiatives will be featured in the UN's official International Youth Day 2024 case study infographics and shared across UN communication channels.

Digital: The initiative must leverage digital technology in its implementation, promoting digital access and inclusion.

Youth-Focus: The initiative should be led by youth and/or engage young people in its implementation process or outcomes.

SDG Alignment: The initiative must address one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Impact: The initiative should demonstrate a measurable impact, showcasing positive results.

Innovation: The initiative should present an innovative approach, highlighting unique solutions or methods.

We look forward to your entries! Your contributions are invaluable in showcasing the powerful role of young people in driving digital solutions for sustainable development in diverse contexts.