August 12 is International Youth Day and the theme for this year is “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production,” with a special focus on SDG 12.

This year’s Day is about turning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into reality. The Day will focus on the leading role young people play in eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production.

Sustainable consumption is all about the use of products that meet the basic needs of communities while keeping in mind the needs of future generations. The promotion of choices that increase the eco-efficiency of consumption and minimize waste and pollution is critical to achieving equitable socioeconomic development.

That said, many young people continue to face barriers to making green choices. These barriers include the high prices of goods and services and lack of information about what options are available.

I invite governments, foundations, civil society organizations, and the youth movement to mark the day by highlighting the positive contributions of youth in development and by pledging to engage with youth as partners in the implementation of the SDGs,” said the UN Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi ahead of the event.  

By focusing on the social development dimensions of sustainable consumption and production, this year’s theme emphasizes a cross-sectoral approach to sustainability and the social, political, economic and environmental interlinkages needed to achieve it.

About the event at UN headquarters marking the day 

The event will highlight how young people contribute to sustainable consumption and production and will feature speakers who will discuss different elements of the production and consumption cycles.

 

The event will also explore how youth continue to provide new ideas and alternatives to development challenges and are active in seeking a renewed vision of consumption and production that is necessary to combat climate change, protect the environment, create decent employment opportunities and build inclusive, equitable societies.


To watch the event LIVE, tune in starting at 10:00 AM EDT on www.webtv.un.org

 

What is SDG 12? 

sdg 12 undp
Sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs and a better quality of life for all. Its implementation helps to achieve overall development plans, reduce future economic, environmental and social costs, strengthen economic competitiveness and reduce poverty.

More info here: http://goo.gl/Owb1rD

About International Youth Day 

In 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the General Assembly declared August 12 International Youth Day, which gives an opportunity to celebrate young peoples’ views and initiatives. Celebrations at the United Nations Headquarters and around the world will recognize the importance of youth efforts, collaboration and participation in the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and in particular the role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable production and consumption. Events to celebrate International Youth Day 2016 will take place all over the world.