International

International Youth Day 2026

International Youth Day on August 12 is the United Nations date for young people’s rights, education, and civic voice. It is not the same event as Catholic World Youth Day, a papal gathering whose dates move.

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International Youth Day - International Youth Day on August 12 is the United Nations date for young people’s rights, education, and civic voice. It is not the same event as Catholic World Youth Day, a papal gathering whose dates move.

About International Youth Day

History & origins

The United Nations General Assembly established International Youth Day in 1999, with the first observance in 2000. August 12 is the UN date. Catholic World Youth Day, begun under Pope John Paul II in 1985, is a separate religious gathering and should not be mixed into this page’s history.

Why it matters

The UN day is a civil platform for education, employment, health, and participation of people in their teens and twenties. Keeping it distinct from World Youth Day avoids confusing a global UN observance with a Catholic pilgrimage.

How to celebrate

Support a youth program, mentor a student, or share UN Youth Day themes at school or work. If you mark Catholic World Youth Day, treat it as a separate pilgrimage calendar, not this UN date.

Facts

The UN General Assembly created International Youth Day in 1999
The first International Youth Day was observed in 2000
The UN date is fixed on August 12 each year
Catholic World Youth Day is a different observance and is not held on a single annual civil date

Upcoming dates

Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Thursday, August 12, 2027
Saturday, August 12, 2028
Sunday, August 12, 2029
Monday, August 12, 2030

Frequently asked questions

When is International Youth Day in 2026?

International Youth Day in 2026 falls on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Is today International Youth Day?

No. International Youth Day in 2026 falls on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, not today.

Is International Youth Day the same as World Youth Day?

No. International Youth Day is the UN’s August 12 observance. World Youth Day is a Catholic youth gathering with its own calendar.

Who created International Youth Day?

The UN General Assembly established it in 1999.

How do you mark the day?

Support youth-led work, listen to young people in civic life, or share the year’s UN Youth Day theme.

Help others discover this day by sharing it.

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