Celebrating the power of youth

On International Youth Day 2025, the UN in India and the Indian Government marked the occasion at Delhi University’s Miranda House, shining a light on how young people are stepping up to tackle climate change, inequality and other global challenges.

This year’s theme for IYD, Youth Localizing the SDGs, was all about showing that the Global Goals only work when action happens locally. Students brought that to life with projects ranging from e-waste collection drives to neighborhood cleanliness campaigns, proving that small steps can have a big impact.

The event attracted a lively mix of participants: students from across Delhi University, volunteers from government-led community organizations, the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, the National Service Scheme, and young people with disabilities.

Two interactive sessions explored the role of youth in shaping the future, along with the support offered by the Government of India and UN agencies. Representatives from UNICEF India, YuWaah, UNFPA, UNDP, UN Women, UNESCO, UNHCR and WHO spoke about how the UN strives to help young people turn ideas into action.

Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative and Acting UN Resident Coordinator, said the fact that India has the largest child and youth population the world has ever known offers “an incredible set of opportunities.”

The discussion then turned to volunteering, cultural exchanges and youth-led change. A panel featuring representatives from the Russian House, France Voluntaries India, YuWaah, and UNESCO’s Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace (MGIEP) showed how volunteering can spark youth engagement and drive real impact in communities.