International Youth Day-2025: Youth for A Sustainable Future

CYSD celebrated International Youth Day 2025 on 11–12 August with a two-day program on the theme “Youth for a Sustainable Future.” The event brought together over 125 young participants - including community leaders, students, and social activists, to showcase the vital role of youth in promoting sustainability, innovation, and social equity.

Day-I:  The program adopted a participatory approach, fostering active dialogue, collaboration, and problem-solving. Participants were divided into six groups: Thakurmunda, Saharapada, Dhirikuti, Sikharchandi, Anandpur, and KIIT University, based on their native locations and academic affiliations. Each group was tasked with crafting roadmaps to address pressing issues such as distress migration, climate change, and skill upgradation. These exercises encouraged critical thinking and teamwork while capturing the vision of youth in tackling contemporary challenges and shaping sustainable solutions for the future.

Day-II: The IYD programme began with a welcome address by Shri P.K. Sahoo, Co-founder of CYSD. This was followed by a panel discussion chaired by Dr. Bhagbanprakash, Former Senior Adviser to the Election Commission of India, who attended as the guest of honour. The session on the theme “Youth for a Sustainable Future: Every Contribution Matters” included panelists Padma Shri Sabarmatee, Founder of Sambhav; Prof. Nachiketa Sharma of SOA University; and Ms. Lalita Patnaik, Programme Manager at UNICEF, who shared their perspectives and insights.

• Sabarmatee inspired participants with the journey of Sambhav, showcasing the transformation from “Asambhav to Sambhav” by converting barren land into fertile farmland. While highlighting the potential of digital media and AI, she also cautioned against digital addiction that disconnects youth from nature and cages them in artificial realities.
• Lalita Patnaik described the day as a “momentous occasion” and urged young people to confront global challenges with courage, becoming global soldiers of development and security.
• N. Sharma asserted that human talent lies in two dimensions—analytics and creativity—and emphasized that true holistic development comes from nurturing both. He advocated for an education system that balances analytical skills with creativity and critical thinking, thereby accelerating global progress.
• Bhagbanprakash reminded the gathering that “youth are the reservoir of energy and the beacon of hope for the future,” encouraging them to remain rooted in their cultural heritage while working toward sustainability.

The event concluded with participants presenting their frameworks and innovative solutions to the issues discussed, demonstrating their potential as catalysts for social transformation.

The celebration not only marked International Youth Day but also provided tangible evidence of the critical role of youth in addressing societal challenges and driving sustainable development.