International year of the youth defines Renaissance of today's century

The youth of today had been reinventing the trends of yesterday. They have gradually become more creative and active in their respective communities. This year is declared as the International Year of the Youth by the United Nations.

For the past decades, activities took place all over the world. These activities were coordinated by the Youth Secretariat within the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, at the time based at the UN offices in Vienna, Austria. The Secretariat's director, Mohammad Sharif, was also the Executive Secretary for IYY. The President of IYY was Nicu Ceauşescu, son of the then dictator of Romania Nicolae Ceauşescu

While not organising any specific events itself, under the year's slogan of "Participation, Development, Peace", the IYY Secretariat helped facilitate numerous events helping to make IYY a success.

The main UN event for IYY was the World Congress on Youth (in Spanish: Congreso Mundial Sobre La Juventud) organised by UNESCO and held in Barcelona, Spain July 8-15, 1985. It issued the "Barcelona Declaration" on youth.

And now, it is the rebirth of this celebration from 1985. Conferences here and there are being organized to create a pact of new bloods who will cement the foundation of the society. This year is really meant to strengthen our understanding about other. The colorful culture that we have inherited from our mother and father lands are meant to make our celebration as young citizens of this world meaningful Let us build bridges around the world. Let our cultural diversity mixed the right colors for a better picture of globalization.

Young people everywhere, whatever color, race and status have the same goals in life.. to make this world a better place. A place where we shall not be judged with the size of our noses nor even with the color of our skin. May this Year uplift our understanding about our rights to happiness and good quality of life. Let our voices be heard! Let us use our skills and ingenuity to promote mutual understanding, cultural solidarity, peace and respect!