1985 was designated the International Youth Year (IYY), by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979 with the themes 'Participation, Development, Peace'. It brought to focus the "silent emergency" faced by millions of youth of ages 15-24, caught in the wedge of societal crisis and change. In many parts of the world, youth is an unknown stage in life, as many children are pushed into adulthood at a very early age, shouldering responsibilities well beyond their years. Many live without the basic neccesities of food and shelter which modern societies have come to expect as minimum ingredients for living. In other parts of the world, young and sensitive feelings, which come with the blossoming of age, are unable to adjust to the harsher realities of the adult world, and some begin experiments with more colourful sub-cultures of their owns.

IYY brings to the fore, the hopes and problems of the young in today's world, and calls on youth to participate in solutions towards their own problems.

In Singapore, IYY is observed with an accent on youth, one of our vital assets. Activities abound, providing opportunities for physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual expressions. All towards one purpose - to find a window on youth, and to stimulate the young towards a greater desire for societal participation, personal development and deeper understanding of others' needs.

The IYY themes of 'Participation, Development, Peace' are depicted on the three stamp designs. On the 10¢ stamp are badges/emblems of some of the major youth organisations in Singapore. The 75¢ stamp illustrates the development and nurturing of the young sapling. The $1 design depicts youth with hands raised in harmony, within the international symbol of peace and hope - the dove.