International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August. This observance, celebrated by thousands of young people, activists, and youth organizations worldwide, brings public attention to important issues related to youth, in particular the need for better addressing youth concerns in international development efforts.

This year’s International Youth Day represents the culmination of the International Year of Youth - designated by the UN to comprise the 12 month period between Youth Day 2010 and Youth Day 2011 - and the 25th Anniversary of the first International Year of Youth. As such, “Change Our World” has been chosen as the theme for this day, as it not only expresses the level of impact that young people strive to achieve, but also reflects the notion of a global community that is a core principle of the United Nations.

In our country, International Year of Youth has triggered hundreds of youth-driven actions and initiatives by youth networks and volunteers. Activists of UNFPA-supported Y-PEER educational network and “KelajakOvozi” have come up with a number of activities to highlight the Year of Youth and make young people’s voices heard. In particular, an initiative announced by UNFPA and Y-PEER globally, “10 Days of Activism” campaign, has been particularly popular among active young people in Uzbekistan and has resulted in a number of exciting actions on important development issues.

Thus, the International Youth Day sums up the year with celebration events that include annual awarding ceremony for most active and talented youth, and a charity concert by popular Uzbek performers.

Holding of annual awards ceremony has become a good tradition of “KelajakOvozi” and UNFPA. Young people – members of the two organizations’ youth networks were awarded in various nominations, such as “Most active volunteer of the year”, “Best project on healthy lifestyle” and many others.

UNFPA and “KelajakOvozi” have been working together throughout the years, on promoting healthy lifestyle among the young people in Uzbekistan. Both partners share similar visions on strengthening the rights of young people and enhancing their potential to increase their role in society.