Young people shape the future of our world. Today, their role has never been more important. According to the World Youth Report (2020), there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24, representing 16% of the global population. This powerful demographic brings creativity, innovation, and energy qualities that drive meaningful change.
Recognizing this immense potential, UNESCO places youth at the heart of its mission. Through inclusive programs and youth-led initiatives, UNESCO works with, by, and for youth to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
Why Youth Matter to UNESCO
Youth remain a priority group for UNESCO because they act as leaders, innovators, and partners, not just beneficiaries. Young people actively challenge inequality, contribute to sustainable development, and promote peace across communities.
More importantly, UNESCO does not simply support youth it walks alongside them. By valuing youth voices and ideas, UNESCO ensures that policies and programs reflect real needs and lived experiences. As a result, young people become active agents of change rather than passive participants.
Over 20 Years of Meaningful Youth Engagement
For more than two decades, UNESCO has partnered with thousands of young people worldwide. During this time, the organization has consistently focused on empowering youth through action-oriented support.
Specifically, UNESCO:
- Establishes and supports youth-led initiatives and networks
- Strengthens youth skills and leadership capacities
- Encourages youth-driven research and knowledge production
- Creates dialogue spaces between youth, policymakers, and global partners
In addition, UNESCO actively engages young people across all its fields of competence, from education and culture to science and communication. Youth participate at every stage from program design to implementation and follow-up ensuring that their perspectives shape real outcomes.
Youth as a Source of Innovation and Hope
Young people represent hope. They bring fresh ideas, bold solutions, and new ways of thinking to global challenges such as climate change, racism, inequality, and social exclusion. Because of this, UNESCO works tirelessly to ensure youth voices remain heard and respected.
Simply put, youth matter, and their ideas deserve space at decision-making tables.
How UNESCO Defines Youth
For statistical purposes, the United Nations defines youth as individuals aged 15 to 24. However, UNESCO recognizes that youth experiences vary widely across regions, cultures, and societies.
Therefore, UNESCO treats youth as a flexible and context-based category. This approach allows programs to remain inclusive, culturally relevant, and responsive to local realities.
Key UNESCO Initiatives Supporting Youth
UNESCO supports engagement through a wide range of global programs and platforms, including:
- UNESCO Youth Forum – A global platform for youth dialogue and policy influence
- Youth as Researchers – Empowering young people to lead research and knowledge creation
- Global Youth Community – Connecting youth networks worldwide
- Youth Climate Action Network – Mobilizing youth for climate solutions
- Meaningful Youth Engagement – Ensuring youth participation goes beyond symbolism
- Master Class Series Against Racism and Discrimination – Promoting equity and inclusion
- International Youth Day – Celebrating youth contributions globally
- Global Youth Grant Scheme – Funding youth-led projects with real impact
Together, these initiatives help young people turn ideas into action while building leadership, confidence, and global connections.
Join the UNESCO Community
UNESCO also invites young people to engage through its global youth community on social media. By joining, youth can connect with peers, access opportunities, and contribute to global movements that matter.
If you want to be part of positive change, now is the time to get involved.
UNESCO’s commitment to working with, by, and for youth reflects a powerful truth: young people are not just the future they are the present. When given the tools, trust, and opportunities to lead, youth can and do transform the world.
Together, through collaboration and shared purpose, UNESCO and young people continue building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. For more information click here
