International Youth Day 2020: How to Remain Hopeful
The United Nations (UN) decided to mark August 12 as the International Youth Day in 1999. This day is marked to recognize and raise awareness about the unique set of challenges faced by the youth and younger generations all over the globe.
Every year, this occasion is marked through a multitude of concerts, cultural events, workshops, and meetings. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic this year, International Youth Day 2020 will be celebrated through a podcast-style discussion hosted by the youth, for the youth.
The theme for this year is ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’ and the spotlight is on the following topics:
- Engagement at the local/community level
- Engagement on the national level
- Engagement at the global level
This theme is very apt for the current socio-economic and socio-political scenario in almost every country. Younger generations have steadily been standing up against injustices and fighting for their rights. From the Black Lives Matter movement in the States to the fight for equality in India, the youth has repeatedly shown the power of education, awareness, social justice, and activism.
However, a constant stream of bad news during a global pandemic, the rise of far-right movements and governments all across the globe, rising poverty rates, economic decline, and global warming lead to an increasingly pessimistic view of the future.
To combat this, younger generations have also taken to social media to vent out their frustrations, shed light on important events, and stay connected with each other. As opposed to older generations, the current youth is more likely to be open about their mental health struggles, job dissatisfaction, and general day-to-day activities and observations. This has created a culture of ‘chosen family,’ online friendships, and transparency.
So, to help the youth not just live, but thrive in an uncertain time, Spark.Live provides multiple experts who can help. From targeted therapy and counseling for mental health issues to career counselors who can help you navigate an ever-changing world, to even fitness instructors, musicians, and dancers who can help you stay active and find a hobby, Spark.Live features them all.
Please join us in this revolution towards better mental, emotional, and physical health. As you will often hear during flights, ‘Please place the mask over YOUR mouth and nose before helping others,’ and this has never been more accurate than right now.
Originally published at https://spark.live on August 12, 2020.
