International Youth Day: A Sustainable Future for All

International Youth Day is a day dedicated to the power of the youth, and the creation of a brighter future. First started in 1999, International Youth Day has a different theme every year, which is created by the input from youth leaders around the world. This year’s theme is Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.

To create a sustainable future, food systems have to adapt to a growing population and climate change. This does not apply just to the production of food, but also the transportation, trade, and consumption of food, with scientists currently recommending more local and plant based diets. The involvement of youth is important to shape the food systems of tomorrow, as they are the ones who would benefit the most from it. Youth unemployment rose during the pandemic, and the need to fight climate change has become more and more vocal, with the youth being at the front lines of this fight. 

International Youth Day is a reminder to us all that the care for our planet and our environment is not just for us, but for our future generations as well. We must all fight for a better planet for those who come after us, and the food system is a vital part of that. May this International Youth Day, serve as a reminder to fight for a more equal and sustainable world, and as a start for us all to do our part in changing the system that provides us all with the nutrition we need. 

To learn more about International Youth Day and its theme, please click here.