College of Law

The Role of Youth in Building Society and Achieving Sustainable Development
Dr. Ziyad Abdulwahab Al-Nuaimi
College of Law

International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, is one of the international days celebrated by the United Nations. On December 17, 1999, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 54/120, proclaimed August 12 as International Youth Day, following the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8–12 August 1998).

The aim of this celebration is to empower youth, raise their awareness, and enhance their role at both the national and international levels by showcasing their creative contributions and involving them in addressing the problems and challenges faced by national communities in general. Their contribution stems from their deep connection to their homeland and their ability to solve or help solve social, economic, or even political issues. This is achieved through the role of states and national governments in granting youth a prominent position, recognizing them as an important and positive segment of society, and strengthening their status, especially as they represent an educated and aware group capable of promoting concepts related to the development and advancement of societies.

International Youth Day 2025 highlights the unique role of youth in turning global aspirations into reality within their national communities. While development partners strive to adapt and implement global goals in national contexts that align with the needs of communities—while maintaining coherence with international commitments—youth remain indispensable partners in this crucial journey toward sustainable development.

It is essential to reinforce the role of youth not only as recipients and beneficiaries of society but as contributors and active participants in building it, enhancing its capabilities, raising awareness, and continuously advancing it in line with applicable laws. They should also play a role in decision-making, with the ultimate goal of achieving the public interest of the national community in particular, and the global community in general.