SBK
The Executive Director's statement was, "the decision is only domestic in its impact". You are right, the international date is Dec. 31. Little League Baseball actually did recommend Dec. 31, but, the other members amended it to April 30. It was voted and passed by the U.S. delegation unanimously. Now, it has to pass the international vote which is usually a rubber stamp.
I have to assume (*opinion here) that moving more than 3 months probably seemed too drastic after 60 years at July 31. The April 30th date solves the problem for the most part, of having 12-year-olds play as 12-year-olds instead of some kids never being able to play their final season as an actual 12-year-old.
Folks, take away your own child's birthday a minute, and you'll have to agree this is a good move. That's why it was unanimously passed.
The article comes from Baseball America, but there is a lot more info. about the change on the Little League Baseball web site.