August 12 is International Youth Day, a day established by the United Nations to celebrate kids all over the world and the change they’ve made.

Created in 1999 by the UN, International Youth Day is celebrated to uplift the voices of the youth and create awareness about the challenges we face. Young people are creative and open-minded. We have the power to be empathetic and the ability to care deeply about the world.

Many movements worldwide are led by the youth, and this day recognises the energy and potential that we have. It’s not just a celebration — it’s also a reminder that young people deserve to be heard and supported. Change can be made by kids, whether it’s at home, online or in school.

For 2025, the theme is Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future, a message asking kids and teens to build a better planet. This theme focuses on taking action for a greener and fairer world. The steps taken towards this goal can be as simple as turning off the lights in your room when you’re not there, or switching off the tap while brushing your teeth to save water.

With the rise of communication technologies like phones, iPads and computers, it’s becoming easier and easier to stay connected and informed. Posts and articles about global activism are shared with just one click. Donations to causes around the world are now just a few taps away. These platforms can amplify the voices of marginalised communities and reach people who can actually make a difference.

We can read about important causes, donate to charities and learn about different communities — all online. Social media, when used correctly, has the power to give a voice to those who might not otherwise be heard and bring awareness to global issues. This is called digital activism — it helps spread awareness about problems faced by specific communities and worldwide challenges using digital tools.

I believe that we, as youngsters, truly understand the potential and importance of technology, sometimes more than older generations do. And who better to lead this change than us, the digital generation? From reading articles about activists to making donations to charity, we can create change right from our homes!

We also have many inspiring examples of young change-makers from around the world. Globally, Greta Thunberg is an amazing example of climate activism. At just 15, she started skipping school every Friday to protest for climate action. Her solo protest turned into a global youth movement — Fridays for Future — which now involves millions of students in over 150 countries. She’s spoken at the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and met with global leaders. After her powerful “How dare you!” speech at the UN in 2019, countries like the UK, Germany and Canada strengthened their climate goals and policies.

Pakistan, too, has its share of young heroes creating change in their communities. Malala Yousafzai, raised in a family that valued education, started raising awareness by writing for BBC Urdu. She continues her activism in the UK today, working with international organisations like the World Health Organisation, the UN and through her Malala Fund.

Another brave change-maker from Pakistan was Iqbal Masih. Though not as well-known as Malala or Greta, his story is one of courage and determination. Iqbal was sold into bonded labour at the age of four to a carpet weaver. But at ten, he escaped and dedicated his life to ending child labour. He spoke up about the illegal trade of children in the carpet industry and helped free around 3,000 other children in Pakistan. His story inspires us to stand up for children’s rights and fight against exploitation.

Days like International Youth Day remind us that we don’t have to wait until we’re adults to make a difference. Whether it’s through educating ourselves or speaking out, every small action matters.

This day should inspire kids in Pakistan and everywhere else to give back to their communities, even in small ways. We all have the power to make a difference.

To read more about International Youth Day, visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/youth-day

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 9th, 2025