Every 12 August, the international community celebrates International Youth Day, an opportunity to highlight the important role young people play in building a sustainable and peaceful future. In 2025, the theme of this day is ‘Local action by young people for the Sustainable Development Goals and beyond,’ emphasizing that in order to move the world forward, we must start with local action.
The United Nations reminds us that young people are essential partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bringing creativity, innovation and deep commitment to their communities. This day also has special significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, which reaffirms that when young people play a major role, societies prosper.
In this context, Model United Nations (MUN) events, and FerMUN in particular, offer a unique space where young people can express themselves, debate and develop essential skills. These simulations of the United Nations allow participants to explore major international issues and understand how global institutions work. They also develop their critical thinking, argumentation, negotiation and cooperation skills. This enables them to acquire communication, leadership and project management skills. Above all, it allows them to make their voices heard on global issues, thereby strengthening their civic engagement.
Our Fermun conference is a perfect illustration of this commitment. Every year, it brings together young people who are motivated to learn about international relations while exercising their influence in structured debates on a variety of issues, including artificial intelligence, human rights and sustainable development.
These conferences are a real incubator for young people, offering them a stimulating and educational environment where they can become agents of change, both locally and globally. They embody the powerful message of International Youth Day: that action by young people, starting at the local level, can transform the world.
With more than 1.2 billion young people on the planet, many of whom face considerable challenges such as unemployment, conflict or exclusion, strengthening these spaces for expression and training is more necessary than ever.
International Youth Day 2025 therefore invites all stakeholders, from governments to youth organisations and educators, to invest in these participatory and educational platforms to offer young people a future where their voices truly count.
Ruben Buchot