Today is International Youth Day!

Today is International Youth Day, which was established in 1999 by the UN. Events are being held around the world to herald the youth's have made in this last year as well as to spur on leadership and action in our global youth community. It's not too late to get involved! Here are some resources and information to help:

What is International Youth Day?

From the UN Website:

The theme of International Youth Day 2014 is "Youth and Mental Health."

Youth with mental health conditions can often experience stigma and discrimination, which in turn can lead to exclusion and/or discourage people from seeking help for fear of being negatively ‘labelled’. 

The 2014 observance of International Youth Day will raise awareness on this important topic, as well as highlight the experiences of brave, young individuals who have chosen to speak out about these issues with the objective of overcoming stigma and discrimination to ensure that young people with mental health conditions can lead full and healthy lives free from isolation and unnecessary shame, and openly seek the services and support they need. 

Today at the UN in New York a major event was held in honor of the day. Invited speakers for this event  in the ECOSOC Chamber at the UN in New York included Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, H.E. Ambassador Otto, the PR of the Republic of Palau. Confirmed speakers included mental health advocates, Alicia Raimundo and Jordan Burnham and the author of the report Social Inclusion of Youth with Mental Health Conditions, Catherine Bradshaw. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's statement can be read here.

Young people could also submit artwork for the event around the theme of Youth and Mental Health, some of which you can check out here:

Post by United Nations Youth.

---

Take Action: 

 
Join GenUN to get engaged in the UN community (just launched today!): http://genun.unausa.org/


International Youth Day Toolkit: http://undesadspd.org/Youth/InternationalYouthDay/2014/Toolkit.aspx

Resources and Further Information:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UN4Youth

Twitter: @UN4Youth

Kathy Calvin, President and CEO of the UN Foundation, writes about International Youth Day for the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathy-calvin/on-international-youth-da_b_5669180.html

International Business Times Article: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/international-youth-day-2014-top-quotes-history-observance-1460756

UN Women Photo Essay on Girls' Struggles & Achievements in Honor of International Women's Day: http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/8/youth-day-photo-essay