The International Youth Day is celebrated on Aug. 12 to recognize the efforts of the world’s youth in improving global society.

The U.N. defined the world’s youth as the age group between 15 and 24, which makes up one-sixth of the human population. Many young people live in the least developed countries, enduring the burden of conflicts and poverty. As their numbers rise steadily, “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production” is the main theme of this year’s International Youth Day.

The aim is to galvanize the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development.

The idea for establishing this day was proposed in 1991 by young people gathered in Vienna, on the occasion of the first session held by the U.N.’s World Youth Forum in order to support the U.N. Youth Fund in partnership with youth organizations.

In 1998, ministers responsible for youth gathered for a world conference on Aug. 8-12 in Lisbon and recommended Aug. 12 as International Youth Day. In Dec. 1999, the proposal was approved by the U.N. General Assembly.

Since 2000, many countries have been participating in this global event. Activities taking place around the world promote the benefits that young people bring to these countries.

Published on the U.N. official website, the following map features all events related to the occasion taking place this year around the world. Check to see if anything is happening near you.

In 2000, the recurrence also celebrated the achievement of eight Latin American and Caribbean youth organizations with the U.N. World Youth Awards in Panama City. The Latin American Youth Forum then stood out for having drafted and advocated to local governments the adoption of a Latin American Youth Rights Charter, beside promoting other aspects related to the rights of youth since 1933.

After its establishment in 1996, the Latin American and Caribbean Student Federation became a major student platform in the region for its efforts to eliminate illiteracy and democratize education, while the Caribbean Federation of Youth was recognized for the action it has taken against the problem of drug abuse among Caribbean youth.

As an international group of millennials, today GYV pays homage to the recognized youths of Panama, who represent a strong role model for young people around the world. We also express solidarity with all young people today living in difficult conditions, providing a further incentive to take action in support of the young global community.