Climate News: International Youth Day sheds light on how young people are driving climate action

12 August each year marks International Youth Day (IYD), a day to celebrate how young activists around the globe are advocating for change. The theme for this year’s IYD was ‘Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond’, aiming to highlight how young people are driving community-driven projects that progress national plans, with the hopes of achieving global climate goals. 

Over the last ten years, youth attendance at the UN Climate Change Conferences has increased by more than 50%. The growing movement is also seen in how the Climate Education Coalition, run by Earthday.org, is now uniting over 100 civil society groups led by young people worldwide. 

Youth engagement was described by the UN as a “necessity”, highlighting the importance of connecting youth action networks with local governance

This year’s IYD took place in Nairobi, Kenya and examined how the SDGs (first adopted by the UN in 2015) are being targeted by youth action. Earth Day focused on SDGs 4 and 13: Quality Education and Climate Action. 

The UN described young people as “critical” to implementing the SDGs as they work with development partners: “They bring creativity, insight, and deep community ties that help bridge the gap between policy and practice.” 

Youth engagement was described by the UN as a “necessity”, highlighting the importance of connecting youth action networks with local governance to reach SDG targets. Examples include the landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice, which affirmed that a “clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is essential for the enjoyment of fundamental human rights.” The decision outlines the obligation of states to protect our environment. Youth activists in Vanuatu, a Pacific Island, were integral in achieving the decision – another step in securing justice for future generations. 

IYD 2025 coincided with the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, a “guiding framework for recognising youth as key actors in sustainable development and participatory governance.” Earth Day aims to “prioritise youth and green skills” at COP30 this November as the role of young people in the fight for climate action continues to be of paramount importance.