10 Pearls Of Wisdom You've Never Heard Before From Young People Around The World

For International Youth Day (12 August) we're sharing our favorite quotes by 10 young people who contribute to Voices of Youth. To read the latest posts by these awesome young people across the world (and others), visit www.voicesofyouth.org.

1. On having your voice heard

Facebook: unicef / Via voicesofyouth.org

"If in your country YOU can participate and speak up about the issues you care about, do it!" - Paola (19), Colombia

2. On tapping into youth potential

Tumblr / Via voicesofyouth.org

"Youth innovation has always been the formula, so let us stick to that. But let us make it grow, let us nourish it and give the youth from all over the world the opportunity to change the world." - Christopher (19), Kenya

3. On believing in your power

showyourloveunicef.tumblr.com / Via voicesofyouth.org

"But even when we feel helpless and useless, unable to change the world or make our mark on the world, the truth is, every single one of us has immense potential to make a difference." - Grace (16), Hong Kong

4. On standing up for others

Via voicesofyouth.org

"People asked me: 'Aren't you scared to be an outcast because of your fight?'

I told them that I may or may not be an outcast but that doesn't worry me. I've heard people saying bad things about me because of this. People kept throwing their sticks and stones. I will never back down because I am doing the right thing.

My fellow youth, we are the new generation that will one day inherit the world. We don't want a homophobic community bully our LGBT friends. We can make a difference. We can be the icon of peace, equality and love." - Ollie (17), USA

5. On setting an example

Facebook: UNICEF / Via voicesofyouth.org

"We've a new generation who has the will and the determination to do whatever it takes to show the world who we are and what we can really do." - Zine (18), Algeria

6. On innovation and change

youtu.be / Via voicesofyouth.org

"I finally realized that the most important thing in developing every idea to make an innovation and change a place and community is, 'Empowerment'. Every person in that place is supposed to be involved. The innovators just need to show them the way and help the people to control the idea." - Aulia (20), Indonesia

7. On social justice

unicef.org / Via voicesofyouth.org

"It's cruelty: [the] inability to view these people who have little to nothing in terms of material possessions, who don't even have shelters to cover their heads, as fellow human beings." - Effie (18), Malaysia

8. On reaching for your dreams

gif-central.blogspot.com / Via voicesofyouth.org

"I suggest that you should have the courage to take risks – calculated risks, not just stupid risks" - Pasan (20), Sri Lanka

9. On education and those who are left behind

Facebook: UNICEF / Via voicesofyouth.org

"Education is a priority and the best means to ensure social mobility. However there will always be room for improvement. More attention needs to be given to young people with a disability...more effort and resources need to be channeled to the more vulnerable in our society." - Angelique (24), Seychelles

10. On doing our part for the environment

youtu.be / Via voicesofyouth.org

"Our one thoughtful action of planting & protecting a tree or even closing taps while brushing can help our planet to be saved against degradation. Maybe our efforts may seem small at present but if we, all global citizens, unite to mitigate effects of climate change then one day our small efforts can prove themselves to be the drastic step to protect the only living planet, Earth." - Poonam (19), Nepal