When is International Youth Day?
International Youth Day 2027 is on Thursday
Thursday, August 12, 2027
August 12 every year. That's in 312 days.
until International Youth Day begins, in your time zone
International Youth Day is a UN observance that highlights the issues young people face and celebrates what they contribute to their communities. It pushes for young people to have a real say in the decisions that affect their lives.
About International Youth Day
International Youth Day treats young people as active contributors to society, not only as a group to be helped. It draws attention to challenges that hit youth especially hard, such as getting a good education, finding decent work and being heard in public life, and it showcases young leaders, activists and innovators. The UN notes that there are nearly 1.3 billion people aged 15 to 24, the largest generation of youth to date.
The date comes from the first World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, held in Lisbon, Portugal, from August 8 to 12, 1998. The conference adopted a resolution proposing that August 12 be declared International Youth Day. The UN General Assembly endorsed that recommendation in resolution 54/120 on December 17, 1999, and the first International Youth Day was observed on August 12, 2000.
The UN sets a theme for each observance, and UN agencies, governments, universities and youth organizations hold forums, workshops, campaigns and online events around it. Many of these events are planned and led by young people themselves, in keeping with the day's focus on youth participation.
Sources: United Nations: International Youth Day, United Nations: International Youth Day background, General Assembly resolution 54/120 (1999). How we check dates.
How to mark International Youth Day
- If you're a young person, find out how to join a local youth council, school board advisory group or similar body.
- Mentor a teenager or young adult through a school, library or community organization.
- Invite young people to lead a meeting, event or project at your workplace, club or place of worship.
- Support youth-led groups in your area by attending their events, volunteering or spreading the word about their work.
- Help a young person get ready for work with a mock interview, a resume review or a job-shadowing day.
International Youth Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Tuesday, August 12, 2025 |
| 2026 | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, August 12, 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday, August 12, 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday, August 12, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, August 12, 2030 |
| 2031 | Tuesday, August 12, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is International Youth Day 2027?
International Youth Day 2027 is on Thursday, August 12, 2027. It falls on August 12 every year. In 2028, it is on Saturday, August 12, 2028.
What age counts as youth for International Youth Day?
For statistical purposes, the UN generally refers to young people as those aged 15 to 24, though many countries and organizations use their own definitions.
Why is International Youth Day on August 12?
The date was proposed by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, which met in Lisbon from August 8 to 12, 1998. The UN General Assembly endorsed it in 1999.
Is International Youth Day a public holiday?
No. International Youth Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.