12/08/2026
International Youth Day 2026 - August 12
International Youth Day, observed this year under the theme “Different Circumstances, Shared Aspirations,” highlights the importance of listening to young people’s voices and recognizing their aspirations for dignity, quality education and decent work. It also draws attention to the challenges facing young people in least developed and developing countries, particularly limited access to technology and equal opportunities. The day also provides an opportunity to strengthen global solidarity and support youth-led innovation and initiatives.
In Sudan, this day comes amid exceptional circumstances brought about by the ongoing war since April 15, 2023, which has had a profound impact on the lives of young women and men both inside and outside the country. The war has resulted in the loss of many opportunities for security and stability, restricted livelihoods, disrupted education, reduced access to decent work and forced large numbers of young people into displacement and refuge. For many, the future has become increasingly uncertain and bleak.
On this occasion, we celebrate Sudanese youth not only to highlight the suffering they face, but also to recognize the significant role that young Sudanese women and men have played and continue to play, in serving their communities and country. Since the outbreak of the war, young people have demonstrated remarkable capacity for initiative, volunteering, community organizing, providing assistance, supporting internally displaced people and refugees, promoting peace and social cohesion, countering hate speech and disinformation and creating new spaces for hope and action despite the difficult circumstances.
Sudanese youth, women and men alike, have not merely been recipients of the consequences of war. They have taken initiative and have been and continue to be an essential part of the response to the suffering of their communities and of efforts to build a different future for Sudan. Therefore, investing in young people, empowering them, protecting their rights and ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making are not secondary priorities; they are essential to building peace, stability and sustainable development.
On International Youth Day, we renew our aspiration for a Sudan that enjoys security, stability, freedom, peace, justice, well-being, and development a Sudan where young people have genuine spaces to participate and influence, where they lead the path toward progress and development and where they contribute to building a state that respects the dignity of all Sudanese women and men and protects their rights and freedoms.
Our aspirations may be different, and our circumstances may be difficult, but our dream is shared: a Sudan defined by peace, justice and dignity, where its young people are true partners in shaping its future.
On International Youth Day, we say to every young Sudanese woman and man:
Despite the war, hope remains. And our ability to build peace and shape the future remains stronger than the forces seeking to destroy it.
