In observance of International Youth Day in Baku, on 12 August 2009, the UN Department of Public Information (UN DPI) office in Azerbaijan hosted the internally displaced children (IDPs) of the 10 regions of Azerbaijan along with the representatives of the regions’ executive authorities.

The special visitors were first given a guided tour through the UN House to present them some of the agencies within UN system, which are supporting national effort, led by the Government, to improve the lives of the people of Azerbaijan especially those of the poorest and the most vulnerable such as internally displaced people. The tour was followed by the presentation of UN work in general and the Organization’s activities and its promotion of the issues concerning youth as well as the endowments young people may bring to the world.

The Representative of the DPI office in Azerbaijan, Ms. Envera Selimovic, said that the UN defines the worlds’ youth as the age group between 15 and 24, composing one-sixth of the human population. “Youth may influence their prospect by changing the world around them and we are happy if our joint activities will encourage them to be active members of the society and a driving force of change in improving the quality of life in their communities, wherever that might be.” 

The idea for the International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 by young people who gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the UN’s World Youth Forum, participants were explained. In 1998, a resolution proclaiming August 12 as the International Youth Day was adopted during the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth. That recommendation was later endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 1999 and the Day was observed for the first time nine years ago. The theme for 2009 celebration is “Sustainability: Our Challenge - Our Future” as an effort to promote a global sense of social responsibility among youth.

After the guided tour, the presentations and a lively discussion, the youngsters did not veil their excitement: “This is the first time that I ever entered the UN office and I am really happy,” Aisha - an IDP girl from Shusha region said. She was among those who delightfully participated in the quiz session organized by the UN DPI staff following the presentations.  At the end of this event, organized in close cooperation with Republican Commission for International Humanitarian Assistance, the DPI Representative presented gifts to the young participants and thanked them for their active participation and enthusiasm to learn and explore.

Mrs. Osman Dilshad, from the child fund of Zengilan region’s Executive Government, hailed this  initiative as increasingly beneficial  not only to broader their horizon but to introduce them to new friends. “The IDP children are very shy and hardly sociable because they do not meet diverse group of people in their lives except for a narrow scope of those in their community. Such events make them more sociable and widen their overall outlook”.

Vugar from Kalbajar region made two new friends: “I became acquainted with two guys, one from  Zengilan and other from Lachin region. We were born in various parts of Azerbaijan and eventually met in the UN Office in Baku.”

The Director of United Nations Information Centre  (UNIC) in Lagos was a special guest of honor at the event organized by United Nations of Youth (UNOY) and Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos to commemorate the International Youth Day 2009. As the Director was on Mission, the Officer-in-Charge – Ms. Olajumoke Araba (Library Assistant) represented the Director and presented the Secretary-General’s message at the event.  
The event which took place at the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Secretariat, was attended by 276 guests. The participants included many Youth organizations, Youth in the Local Government and  National Youth Corps members.
Dignitaries on the High table included the UNOY National Executive President - Prince Goodluck Obi; The Executive Chairman of the Amuwo Odofin Local Government; the Vice President of the United Nations Association of Nigeria – Mr. Sam Oyewole, ANUNSA National President, Executive Council Members and two Youths from Japan and Germany.  
In his opening remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Amuwo Odofin Local Government - Comrade Ayodele Adewale, highlighted some of the Youth empowerment programmes of his Local Government in which Youths were trained on recycling and examination fees of 500 students were paid. Also about 140 trees had been planted for environmental sustainability. He encouraged youth to create employment for themselves and not to seek employment as there were no jobs.
In a paper presentation by another Youth corroborated the Executive Chairman’s advice. He spoke on - “The challenges of Youth unemployment: the way forward”. He concluded with the statement: “Embrace entrepreneurship since jobs are not available.” Later, the Centre screened the video – “Year in Review 2008” and the event concluded with comments and questions from the audience.

The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Antananarivo organized mini society projects and drawing competitions to mark International Youth Day. Twenty young people aged between 11 and 24 years took part in the activity which was held at the UNIC office on August 12th 2009. The international celebration topic of this day was « Sustainability, our challenge, our future »
At the beginning of the activity, the National Information Officer, Zoé Rasoaniana, read to the participants the message of the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon addressing to all youth. Three of the world greatest challenges were mentioned in the message such as unemployment, society life and climate change.
The participants gave their best during two hours as well for the drawing competition which was only for those aged between 11 and 14. The mini society projects contest was given for those aged older than 15. The aim is that all of them could express their opinion and share their vision so as to create a better world and also contribute in the fight against poverty and unemployment in a sustainable environment.
Razafintsoavina Aina Henintsoa and Rakotomalala Jerrica, the winners of the drawing contest were given special prizes whereas each of the participants were distributed a T-shirt, books and pens by the UNIC.
This celebration demonstrated that Malagasy Youth are conscious of their responsibilities towards their country and are willing to actively contribute to create a better world for a better future.
The celebration of this Day continued on August 22nd with association of young women and the youth network on MDGs. Workshop was organized at the UNIC conference room on that Day. “Together we can change our world” presented the main topic of the workshop.

United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Windhoek organized a day of cultural performance at the Windhoek International Youth Centre on Wednesday, 12 August 2009, to commemorate International Youth Day.
Ms. Anthea Basson, National Information Officer of UNIC Windhoek delivered the Secretary General's message at this occasion.

The young men and women of Namibia were encouraged to adopt a global sense of responsibility under the theme of this year’s International Youth Day – “Sustainability: Our Challenge. Our Future” – a global call to action for young men and women.
According to 2007 statistics, youth comprised 25 per cent of the world’s working age population yet accounted for 40 per cent of the unemployed.  The global economic recession meant that, in the near future, youth unemployment would continue to climb. 
“Without a doubt, young people have proven themselves to be key partners in sustainable development.  They have gotten involved in international forums such as the Commission on Sustainable Development, and have helped their Governments and communities to formulate poverty reduction strategies, entrepreneurial schemes and many other policies and initiatives”, the Secretary General's message said.
To commemorate this day, youth organizations in Namibia engaged in workshops and cultural performances.