We celebrate International Youth Day with some of our favorite young Latino celebrities!Getty Images
August 12 marks International Youth Day , and as tradition holds ---for the past 16 years--- this day is meant as an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. On 17 December 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that August 12 be declared International Youth Day.
The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. The first IYD was observed on August 12, 2000. During IYD, concerts, workshops, cultural events, and meetings involving national and local government officials and youth organizations take place around the world. The theme of the 2016 International Youth Day is “ The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production ”.
It focuses on the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production. Sustainable consumption entails the use of products and services that meet the basic needs of communities while safeguarding the needs of future generations. The development and promotion of individual choices and actions that increase the eco-efficiency of consumption of all and minimize waste and pollution is critical to achieving equitable socioeconomic development.
In honor of this year's IYD, we celebrate 17 young Latino celebrities who are making a change in the world. Though they are young, these stars are admired by many of today's youth for having pretty clean images, for being hardworking and for being disciplined in their craft. Did we miss anyone on the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Leslie Grace is a young songstress who's proving that women can dominate the bachata genre! The Dominican beauty became the youngest female artist to peak at number one on both the Billboard Tropical Songs chart and Billboard Latin Airplay charts.At only 25, Diego Boneta has already been a part of reputed TV shows such as "90210," "Pretty Little Liars" and "Screem Queens." He's also worked in movies such as "Rock of Ages" and "Mean Girls 2." Needless to say, he's also got his music career going on! The world first discovered Colombian athlete James Rodriguez in the fields of the 2014 World Cup. Now, at only 25, Rodriguez is a midfielder for Real Madrid and is commonly ranked as one of the best young players in the world.Did you know that Kimberly Dos Ramos never took an acting class? But that never stopped her from pursuing her dreams! The 24-year-old starlet has been in over 15 TV productions, including "Tierra de Reyes."Not only is Selena Gomez a renowned singer and actress, but she's also a philanthropist with the mission help change the world. Did you know that in 2009, Gomez, then 17, became the youngest UNICEF ambassador ever? In her first official field mission, she traveled to Ghana.Like her brother, Rico Rodriguez, Raini has a bright future ahead of herself. The Mexican-American actress is best known for her roles as Trish in "Austin & Ally" and Maya Blart in the "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" sequels.Let's emphasize on how amazing of a role model musician, actress and philantropist Demi Lovato is for today's youth. Her activism in equality, positive messaging on body image, and level of openness with her struggles is truly admirable.Because of his catchy songs, hit-making urban artist Maluma received the title of Colombian Artist of the Year at the 2014 MTV Millennial Awards. The 22-year-old keeps releasing back-to-back hits, growing his fandom more every day.Meet the new face of telenovelas! At only 21, Danna Paola stars in Telemundo production "¿Quién es Quién?" Danna Paola portrays Paloma, a young, single mother. You might know him from "Modern Family," where he plays Manny Delgado, the son of Sofia Vergara's character Gloria. At 18, Rico has already been in many movies and TV shows and has even published his own book called "Reel Life Lessons...So Far."Sofia Reyes leaped from YouTube to stardom, becoming the first artist to be signed on Prince Royce's record label. She made her debut in the biz with her catchy single "Muevelo" featuring Wisin.Bethany, who is of Mexican descent, is one of the most popular YouTube stars. Not only does she have a large following, but she also has her own fashion line at Aeropostale!As a teen, he took boxing classes, but later quit the sport to pursue his career in music. Coronel won the award for "New Artist of the Year" at the 2014 Latin Billboard Music Awards and ever since he's been making it big in the music industry.Did you know that before making it big with Fifth Harmony, Lauren attended a Catholic college preparatory school for girls? Jauregui has two siblings and like her colleague Camila, she's of Cuban descent. At only 19, Camila is the baby of Fifth Harmony! We're in love with the way this Mexican/Cuban-American treats her fans and can't get over how adorable of a person she is.Yes, he's the younger brother of Mexican singer Gerardo Ortiz, but Kevin is also making it big in the industry. At only 19, he has a huge following with millions of fans around the world.Becky G started gaining attention with her YouTube video covers and look at her now! Singing with Thalia, touring with J. Balvin and winning many awards!
