The Commonwealth will observe International Youth Day on 12 August 2025 – a day when the world acknowledges the vital role that young people play as agents of change, leaders, and mobilisers in promoting development.
International Youth Day 2025 holds special significance as it commemorates 10 years since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This agenda, which includes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is a part of the UN’s global call for coordinated action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
This year’s global theme is:
“Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”
It provides an opportunity for the Commonwealth Secretariat to showcase its long-standing commitment to youth-led initiatives on the SDGs and over 50 years of empowering, energising and amplifying young people through the Commonwealth Youth Programme.
It also serves as a platform for the Commonwealth to nurture and reinforce partnerships that support young, ambitious entrepreneurs of the future.
Event schedule
A series of events will be hosted to mark International Youth Day during August, including:
4-8 AugustThe inaugural Youth Leadership Consultative Dialogue, led by the Commonwealth Youth Council and hosted by the Government of Namibia. |
10 AugustA pre-summit webinar, featuring the work of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, will take place ahead of the Model Commonwealth Summit 2025. |
12 AugustA digital broadcast featuring the launch of the call for nominations for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards. |
12 AugustThe official UN observance of IYD in Nairobi, Kenya, hosted in collaboration with UN-Habitat and UN DESA. |
22 AugustThe London Youth Art Health Summit An event, led by the Global Arts in Medicine Fellowship founded by Kunle Adewale – a 2016 Commonwealth Youth Award Regional Winner for Africa, aimed at supporting youth leadership, innovation and health equity through the arts. |
Get involved
Join the conversation on social media using #CommonwealthYouth, #Youth4SDGs, #InternationalYouthDay and #IYD2025.
Happy #InternationalYouthDay 2025!
— Commonwealth Youth (@ComSecYouth) August 12, 2025
We’re LIVE from Nairobi, Kenya ?? for the global celebration under the theme Local Youth Actions for the #SDGs and Beyond.
Together with @UNDESA, we’re spotlighting how youth are driving change in their communities and beyond. #IYD2025 pic.twitter.com/2zgCHs5hYj
Today, we celebrate young people's power to innovate, lead & transform communities.
— Shirley Botchwey (@SGCommonwealth) August 12, 2025
I am proud to launch the 2026 #Commonwealth Youth Awards to recognise young leaders who are driving progress on the SDGs.
You are not just shaping the future, you truly own it.
Nominate… pic.twitter.com/A0SKNu4qMF
