International Youth day is observed annually on 12 August to draw the international community’s attention to issues affecting young people and to highlight their potential as equal partners in today’s global society.
The History of International Youth Day
The idea of establishing International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 by young people gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the World Youth Forum of the United Nations System. The Forum recommended that an International Youth Day be proclaimed, particularly for fundraising and promotional purposes, to support the United Nations Youth Fund in partnership with youth organisations.
At the first session of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, held in Lisbon from 8 to 12 August 1998 and hosted by the Government of Portugal in cooperation with the United Nations, a resolution was adopted proclaiming 12 August as International Youth Day. The recommendation was subsequently endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session through Resolution A/RES/54/120, entitled “Policies and Programmes Involving Youth”, adopted on 17 December 1999.
The General Assembly recommended that public information activities be organised to mark the Day and raise awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth, which it adopted in 1996.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, adopted on 9 December 2015, represented an unprecedented recognition of the urgent need to engage young peacebuilders in promoting peace and countering extremism. It clearly positioned young people as important partners in global efforts in this area.
This year’s observance of International Youth Day highlights that, although the lives of young people are shaped by different national and local circumstances, their aspirations are remarkably similar. Particular attention is being given to young people living in Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
International Youth Day in the Museum of Sarajevo
The Museum of Sarajevo recognises the importance and potential of young people in our community. As a cultural institution with a strong educational role, it strives to provide young people from Sarajevo and across Bosnia and Herzegovina with opportunities to learn about the history of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, develop a lasting interest in visiting cultural institutions, find inspiration at the Museum and begin cultivating their critical-thinking skills.
The Museum of Sarajevo extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited us today. It was a great honour to welcome our youngest visitors, for whom this was their first observance of International Youth Day. We are proud to have had the opportunity to be the first institution to introduce them to the significance of this occasion. We wish the young people who are continuing their education and building their careers every success, and we remain available to support them in their academic and research endeavours. We hope that the Museum of Sarajevo will continue to be an institution they enjoy visiting for many years to come.
