The first World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, held in Lisbon in 1998, recommended designating an international day for young people. On 17 December 1999, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 54/120, setting 12 August as the annual date, with the first official observance held in 2000. Youth, defined by the UN as people aged 15 to 24, number over 1.5 billion worldwide — roughly a fifth of the global population. The day aims to highlight young people's creative potential as essential partners in sustainable development and decision-making, while also drawing the attention of governments and the international community to the challenges they face, such as unemployment, limited access to quality education, and restricted political participation. Each year the UN selects a different theme addressing a pressing youth issue, from employment to mental health and climate action. The day is marked through events and discussions led by young people worldwide, volunteer and entrepreneurial initiatives, and awareness campaigns in schools, universities and on social media that spotlight youth achievements and voices.