Celebrate International Youth Day with IYF
Celebrate International Youth Day with IYF
35 Years of Championing Youth-Led Change
International Youth Day is August 12—but at IYF, we celebrate all year long. As we mark 35 years of global impact, we’re spotlighting the energy, creativity, and leadership of young people who are shaping a better future—today.
From career training to mental health support, from digital innovation to community leadership, IYF is investing in the next generation of changemakers. Join us in honoring their impact and fueling what’s next.
Reflecting on a Milestone: IYF Rings the Nasdaq Opening Bell (2024)
In 2024, IYF proudly rang the Nasdaq opening bell in honor of International Youth Day—a moment that underscored our global impact and nearly 35-year commitment to youth empowerment and digital innovation for sustainable development.
Relive the Moment:
- Watch the Ceremony replay on Nasdaq, Facebook, Twitter X
- Read the full press release
Why We Celebrate
International Youth Day is a time to spotlight the power of young people to lead, innovate, and drive change. Each year, the UN announces a new theme for the day—focusing global attention on the priorities and potential of youth. The 2025 theme hasn’t been released yet, but our message is clear: young people are not just the future—they are the now. At IYF, we’re proud to stand with youth every day as they shape more inclusive, sustainable communities.
Stay tuned for this year’s theme—and discover how you can be part of our global celebration.
“The youth of the world represent our legacy and our values. It’s up to all of us to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed. IYF does exactly that. Let’s collectively strive to ‘leave this world a better place than we found it’ by assisting every child in succeeding in this mission.”
—Andrew J. Elder, President & CEO, The Elder Group, LLC
Inspiring Stories
“There is no better way to change the world than to inspire, train and educate youth to believe they can make a positive difference. The International Youth Foundation, through its global programs, is helping young people all over the world realize their potential both personally and in community. IYF leaders are passionate and dedicated and constantly seek to innovate. IYF is worth learning about.”
—Maureen Orth, Founder, Marina Orth Foundation, Medellin, Colombia
Innovation in Action
Watch how young people around the world are using digital innovation to drive sustainable development and create meaningful change.
“Investing in our youth provides the greatest return of any investment we can make—the S&P 500 return is dwarfed by what a single young person can do if they reach their potential. By investing in youth, we are compounding our interest —they become the greatest asset we have as a society, nation, and world.”
—Frank Salvatore, IYF Supporter
Support IYF and Our Mission
- Provide training in sought-after life skills (like teamwork, conflict management, and critical thinking) for young people in Mexico.
- Prepare young women in Palestine to secure good-paying jobs in typically male-dominated fields like auto mechanics and electrical repair and maintenance.
- Strengthen the capacity of local partner organizations to better serve the young people in their communities.
