The International Day is officially commemorated on 9 August annually in recognition of the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982. This year, attention will be on efforts made by indigenous peoples and States to foster reconciliation. In New York, the day will be celebrated on Friday, 8 August with messages from the Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, DESA Under-Secretary General Sha Zukang, and the Chairperson of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz. A panel discussion will be held on the subject of reconciliation between indigenous peoples and governments, along with performances by indigenous artists.

For more information: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/news_internationalday2008.html

International Youth Day

12 August

The theme for International Youth Day 2008 is youth and climate change, adopted in recognition of the relationship between climate, poverty and hunger and the additional challenges that youth face as communities come under threat. With young people increasingly adding their voices to the call for action on climate change, it is important they be actively engaged in preparedness, risk reduction, adaptation and mitigation efforts. The Day also gives the world an opportunity to recognize the potential of youth, to celebrate their achievements, and plan for ways to better engage young people to successfully take action in the development of their societies. It presents an important opportunity for all stakeholders to rally together to ensure that young people are included in decision-making at all levels.

For more information: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/iyd2008.htm