Like other parts of the world, the United Nations' (UN) International Youth Day was observed in Pakistan on Sunday to recognise the contributions of youth to a global society. The theme of International Youth Day 2012 was "Building a Better World: Partnering with Youth" - a global call to action to develop and engage in partnerships with and for youth.
On the occasion, the UN Secretary-General said, "Today's generation of youth, the largest the world has ever known, and the vast majority of whom live in developing countries has unprecedented potential to advance the well-being of the entire human family.
Yet too many young people, including those who are highly educated, suffer from low- wage, dead-end work and record levels of unemployment. The global economic crisis has hit youth the hardest, and many are understandably discouraged by rising inequalities.
A large number have no immediate prospects and are disenfranchised from the political, social and development processes in their countries. "Without urgent measures, we risk creating a "lost generation" of squandered talent and dreams". The young people who gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the UN's World Youth Forum decided to observe International Youth Day. In 1998, a resolution proclaiming August 12 as International Youth Day was adopted during the world conference of ministers responsible for youth. On the occasion, youth conferences on various issues such as education and employment were held in different cities.