youth empowerment advocacy essay

Why Is Youth Empowerment Important?

At the core of youth empowerment is the belief that young people are capable of incredible things. When young people have exposure to inspiring ideas and opportunities and the tools to build their confidence – they can take on anything and everything.

An empowered young person recognizes their capabilities, self-determination and worth. They feel comfortable trying new things. They have the confidence to take risks and are aware that failure is a step toward progress, not a sign to give up. They don’t use the opinions of others as their guideposts in life. They stand up for their values. And they know they have built a foundation of self-empowerment to rely on in times of struggle or when they are feeling lost and need to recalibrate.

Youth empowerment is incredibly important – it gives kids and teens the courage to believe in themselves, to not be swayed by the opinions of others, and to go after their dreams.

While some kids and teens are born with an innate sense of “what if” and the courage to act on it, most look to the world around them to gain the ideas, excitement and skills to explore their potential and test the waters of their capabilities. Encouragement and opportunities go a long way in helping a kid or teen come out of their shell and take on new experiences, and a caring mentor – parent, caregiver, teacher or youth development provider – can be a powerful ally in youth empowerment.

Here are a few ways you can help empower a young person in your life:

Help kids and teens explore their interests and potential. Getting curious is the first step to feeling empowered. Read books and watch movies together about a variety of pursuits and careers and see where your kid’s interests are. Ask questions like “Can you see yourself doing something like this?” When they take on a hobby, explore different ways they can build on this interest and deepen confidence in their abilities.

Give them the space and trust to practice autonomy. Kids and teens are natural contributors, but often don’t feel adults expect them to do things well or participate at all. Offer safe, supportive opportunities for your kid to be autonomous and make clear your expectations for their contributions – whether that’s a toddler learning to take their plate to the dishwasher or empowering a teenager to decorate their own space.

Speak with honesty. Knowledge is power, and when we are open, direct and honest with young people, this not only helps expand their understanding of the world around them, but it builds their own self-awareness. Equipped with information to be successful, they are more likely to see the big picture and make smarter decisions, while not sweating the small stuff.

Trust their ability as leaders. From working on school projects to managing a household chore to leading community service events, in youth-led efforts, let young people own the trajectory of the assignment, from planning to execution. You can always be a safety net for when they make mistakes or need to be redirected but give them the space to try it their way first. Afterwards, ask for their feedback on what went right and what could be improved.

When youth are empowered, they feel confident and capable. They become active contributors and collaborators, excited to explore their impact on the world around them.

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Empowering Youth Engagement in Society Report

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Introduction

Youth empowerment.

Youth empowerment means integrating creativity, energy and power for the young people in order to realize change in the community and the world at large. It can also be defined as change in attitude, structures and cultural ways of young people in order to acquire ability and authority to make decisions that will change their lives as well as those of others. It involves introduction of equity, civil engagement and democracy among the youths in the society (Curtis, 2008).

Positive change in today’s society can be achieved through empowering and engaging the youths in the society. If young people in a given society are not actively involved in important activities in the society they can be destructive and thus negative change in the society.

It is therefore important to empower them by allowing them to participate in the institutions and make decisions that will influence the society positively. This changes the view that young people are problematic to people who can bring about positive change. Youth participatory should be community based and should involve young people in poor and marginalized areas (Flores, 2008).

Youths are the majority of the world’s population. In addition, many of them are found in the developing countries and they live in poverty. Due to economic situation in these countries many of the youths are without jobs and thus cannot earn sustainable livelihood. By providing employment for youths either in formal or informal sector will translate to hunger and poverty free society. This can be achieved by engaging and empowering the youths in the society (Checkoway and, Gutierrez, 2006).

Empowering youth engagement in the society is done by various institutions in the society such as government, international government and non-governmental organizations. They do so through programs managed by youths. They look into the rights of youths as well as providing council and activism (Sherrod, et al., 2007).

Creating a favorable environment that provides an opportunity for youth leadership will enable them to develop skills needed for change in the society as well as providing opportunity to providing their services to others. Youths can also be empowered by offering ideas concerning work and education. In addition, the assets that can develop this process are also important.

Governments in many countries today are on the forefront in ensuring youth empowerment. This is by providing policies and programs that encourage youth participation in the society. Moreover, these policies allow the young people to have one strong voice in which they can air out issues affecting them. The governments can also fund projects that allow youths to actively participate in changing the society. This entails building infrastructures in which youths can practice participation (Vavrus and Fletcher, 2006).

Other institutions such as schools can empower youths by encouraging youth participation in governance of schools. Empowering youth engagement in the society can also be achieved by increasing financial resources hence reducing dependence on others for support. Equality should also be encouraged in education, wages and power. Awareness campaigns, dialogue and seminars are used in encouraging youth participation and engagement in the society (Sazama and Young, 2006).

Youth active participation cannot be ignored if there has to be any positive change in our societies. Institutional activities should therefore be carried out with youths in mind. Relevant information should be provided for development of youth programs. To engage young people, one has to make use of good communication methods. In addition, they must be given power to influence important decisions. This allows participation to be active and creative hence empowering youth’s engagement in the society.

Checkoway, B. & Gutierrez, L. (eds) (2006). Youth Participation and Community Change. Routledge.

Curtis, K. (2008) Empowering Youth: How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things. Search Institute Press.

Flores, S. (2008) Youth Participatory Evaluation: Strategies for Engaging Young People . San Francisco, John Wiley and Sons.

Sazama, J. & Young, K. (2006) 15 Points to Successfully Involving Youth in Decision-Making, Boston: Youth on Board.

Sherrod, R. et al. ( 2007) Handbook of Research on Civic Engagement in Youth . New Jersey, John Wiley and Sons.

Vavrus, J. & Fletcher, A. (2006) Guide to Social Change Led By and With Young People.

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Empowering the Future: The need for Youth Empowerment in the society

by Katerina Panagi

Youth empowerment is a concept that has gained significant attention in recent years, and for good reason. The youth, often defined as individuals between the ages of 15 and 29, represent not only the future, but also the driving force of our society; they constitute approximately 16 per cent of the world’s population .

They possess boundless energy, creativity, and the potential to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. However, to harness this potential and ensure a brighter future for all, it is imperative that we prioritise youth empowerment in our society.

Youth empowerment is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects of young people’s lives. It involves providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to develop their skills, gain self-confidence, make informed decisions, and actively participate in the social, economic, and political spheres of their communities.

Empowering young individuals goes beyond merely giving them a voice; it is about equipping them to use that voice effectively and contribute positively to society. The EU developed an EU Youth Strategy and wants young people to engage and become an active citizen involved in democracy and society. ‘We want young people to tell us what is important to them by taking part in the EU Youth Dialogue . This transformative concept goes ‘beyond merely involving youth in decision-making; it encourages them to lead, innovate, and drive societal change’ .

One of the most significant benefits of youth empowerment is the promotion of innovation and creativity . Young people often view the world through fresh eyes, unburdened by preconceived notions and traditional thinking. By empowering them with education and resources, we enable them to think outside the box and come up with novel solutions to complex problems. This creativity can drive advancements in technology, science, and the arts, benefiting society as a whole.

Youth empowerment strengthens the social fabric of communities . When young people are engaged and empowered, they are more likely to participate in community service, volunteer work, and local initiatives. This active involvement not only improves the well-being of communities but also instils a sense of responsibility and belonging in young individuals. As they become more connected to their communities, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviours and more likely to contribute positively to society.

Empowering youth also helps bridge the generational divide that often exists in society. By valuing the perspectives and contributions of young people, we create a more inclusive and harmonious society. Interactions between generations can lead to mutual understanding and collaboration, allowing the transfer of wisdom and experience from older generations to younger ones, while fresh ideas and perspectives flow in the opposite direction.

A vibrant democracy relies on active and informed citizen participation. When young people are empowered to engage in the political process, they become the voice of change . They bring new ideas, energy, and a fresh perspective to the table. Encouraging youth involvement in politics and governance not only revitalizes democracy but also ensures that policies and decisions are made with the interests of all generations in mind.

Youth empowerment plays a crucial role in economic growth and sustainability. When young people have access to quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial opportunities, they become active contributors to the workforce and the economy. A skilled and empowered youth population can drive innovation, boost productivity, and lead to a more prosperous society.

The need for youth empowerment in society cannot be overstated. Our future depends on the abilities, creativity, and energy of the young generation. By investing in their education, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, and involving them in decision-making processes, we not only secure a brighter future but also create a more inclusive, innovative, and harmonious society . It is incumbent upon us to recognize the immense potential within our youth and work collectively to empower them to be the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.

‘It’s clear that when we believe in our young people and give them an environment where they feel valued, listened to, and capable of making meaningful contributions, it fosters a sense of freedom within themselves that propels them toward success’.

Katerina Panagi is a full-time Project Manager and Researcher at an independent, non-profit, non-governmental, research and development organization based in Cyprus. She is also a part-time Journalist who believes in lifelong learning. Her ambitions are to advance her skills, knowledge and herself as much as she can, and also to volunteer and gain further experience.

About the author

Katerina Panagi

Katerina Panagi is a full-time Project Manager and Researcher at CARDET, an independent, non-profit, non-governmental, research and development organization based in Cyprus. She is also a part-time freelance journalist in Cyprus. As a researcher, she is a goal oriented person. She likes learning new things each day and being the best version of herself. Since she believes in lifelong learning, her ambitions are to advance her skills, knowledge and herself as much as she can, but also volunteer and gain further experience.

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Essay on Youth Empowerment

Students are often asked to write an essay on Youth Empowerment in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Youth Empowerment

What is youth empowerment.

Youth empowerment is when young people get the power to make decisions. It means giving them the tools, opportunities, and confidence to shape their own lives and the world around them. This can include learning new skills, having a say in community decisions, or starting their own projects.

Why is it Important?

Empowering young people is key because they are the future. When they have the right tools and confidence, they can solve problems, make positive changes in their communities, and help everyone around them. It’s about making sure every young person can reach their full potential.

How to Support Youth Empowerment?

Supporting youth empowerment can be simple. It starts with listening to young people’s ideas and taking them seriously. Schools, families, and communities can offer programs where youths learn skills, get involved in projects, and have roles in decision-making. By giving them chances to succeed, we help them grow into leaders of tomorrow.

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Youth Empowerment

Youth empowerment is all about giving young people the power to make choices and decisions that affect their lives. It’s about giving them the skills and confidence to stand up for themselves and others, to take action, and to make a difference in the world.

Why is Youth Empowerment Important?

Youth empowerment is important because young people are the future. They are the ones who will be making decisions about the world in the years to come. If we want to create a better world, we need to empower young people to be active and engaged citizens.

How Can We Empower Youth?

There are many ways to empower youth. One way is to provide them with quality education. Education gives young people the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. It also helps them develop critical thinking skills and the ability to make informed decisions.

Another way to empower youth is to give them opportunities to participate in decision-making. This could involve giving them a say in how their school is run or allowing them to serve on community boards or committees. When young people are given a voice, they feel more valued and respected. They are also more likely to be engaged in their communities and to make positive contributions.

Youth empowerment is essential for creating a better world. By empowering young people, we give them the tools they need to succeed in life and to make a difference in the world.

500 Words Essay on Youth Empowerment

Youth empowerment is all about giving young people the chance to speak up and make choices about their lives. It’s like giving someone the tools and confidence they need to build a house. Instead of a house, though, they’re building their future. This idea is super important because it helps young people learn how to solve problems, make decisions, and feel confident in their abilities.

Education and Opportunities

One big part of youth empowerment is education. But it’s not just about reading, writing, and math. It’s also about learning life skills, like how to communicate well, work in teams, and solve problems. Schools and clubs can offer programs where young people can learn these skills and more. Also, giving young people chances to try new things, like sports, arts, or science projects, helps them find what they love and what they’re good at.

Support and Encouragement

Support from family, teachers, and friends is like the sunshine for plants. It helps young people grow strong and confident. When someone believes in you, it’s easier to believe in yourself. That’s why it’s so important for adults to listen to young people, support their dreams, and encourage them to keep trying, even when things get tough.

Leadership and Responsibility

Challenges and overcoming them.

Of course, empowering young people isn’t always easy. There are challenges, like not having enough money for programs or not everyone believing that young people can lead. But by working together, communities can find ways to overcome these challenges. This might mean finding volunteers to help run programs or looking for money from businesses or the government.

Youth empowerment is like giving young people a key to unlock their potential. It’s about helping them find their voice, learn new skills, and believe in themselves. When young people are empowered, they can do amazing things for themselves and their communities. So, let’s all work together to give young people the support, opportunities, and encouragement they need to grow into strong, confident, and caring adults.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Article Contents

Introduction, youth and advocacy, youth and technology, technology options, tactics for using technology in advocacy, youth advocacy and technology case studies, limitations of technology in advocacy.

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Empowering Youth: Use of Technology in Advocacy to Affect Social Change

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Rosemary Thackeray, MaryAnne Hunter, Empowering Youth: Use of Technology in Advocacy to Affect Social Change, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication , Volume 15, Issue 4, 1 July 2010, Pages 575–591, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2009.01503.x

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The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework for integrating technology with youth advocacy efforts to affect social change and influence social determinants of health, particularly in 1) recruiting people to join the cause, 2) organizing collective action, 3) raising awareness and shaping attitudes, 4) raising funds to support the cause, and 5) communicating with decision makers. Making strategic decisions to combine technology and youth advocacy will give youth a voice, arm them with advocacy skills, and increase their self-efficacy. These youth may become adults who are involved in larger policy-based decisions that will address the social determinants of health that affect the health status of people in their communities and throughout the world.

Social determinants, including socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions, are the root cause of poor health and associated inequities between and among various racial, ethnic, or other demographic groups, and countries ( Marmot, 2005 ). To effectively improve health status, we must modify or change social determinants. To do so will require a transformation of policies, rules, regulations, and legislation among various sectors, including, but not limited to public health, business, industry, and medicine. The change needed to affect social determinants is not the responsibility alone of policy makers and institutions. A shift in people's beliefs and how they think about issues, and subsequent individual advocacy efforts can support social change (Mankoff, Matthews, Fussell, & Johnson, 2007 ).

Advocacy is the use of resources and information to bring about systematic change. Health advocacy is “the processes by which the actions of individuals or groups attempt to bring about social and/or organizational change on behalf of a particular health goal, program, interest, or population” (2000 Joint Committee on Health Education and Promotion Terminology, 2002, p. 3 ). “Advocacy has the potential to shape or change policy in a way that can impact the health of thousands, if not millions, of people” ( Galer-Unti, Tappe & Lachenmayr, 2004, p. 287 ).

History shows that public health advocacy works. The greatest advancements in improving public health in the 20 th century are the result of change in policy or regulation ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1999a ). For example, water fluoridation has resulted in significant reductions in tooth decay and dental caries among both children and adults ( CDC, 1999b ). For a community to fluoridate water requires change to laws and policy ( Roemer, 1965 ). Reductions in deaths due to motor-vehicle crashes are attributable to new regulations and standards for motor vehicles and road design as well as enactment and enforcement of laws that require drivers and passengers to wear safety belts ( CDC, 1999c ). The recognition that tobacco use is detrimental to a person's health was the basis for development and implementation several public health interventions that would limit a person's exposure to tobacco. Success in reducing access to tobacco products and limiting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke has required substantial advocacy efforts ( Lantz et al, 2000 ; Schroeder, 2004 ). Some of the most well-known public health youth advocacy examples include youth involvement in tobacco prevention and control ( Martin, Ribisl, Jefferson, & Houston, 2001 ) and substance use prevention ( Tencati, Kole, Feighery, Winkleby, & Altman, 2002 ).

Advocacy, at its most basic level, is communication. It is one person or a group of people sending messages for the purpose of persuading or influencing others. While various tools aid with the communication process, technological advances, including software and associated devices, are expanding advocates' communication options. With these options comes the potential to make advocacy efforts more effective and efficient. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework for integrating technology with youth advocacy efforts to affect social change. Table 1 provides a brief glossary of technology-related terms that will be used throughout the paper.

Glossary of terms

Youth have previously been handed a second-class ticket in democracy–they are not allowed to vote, yet pertinent policies and legislation are made that directly affect their health. For example, the alcohol industry is allowed to exploit adolescents by directing a disproportionate amount of its advertising toward this population ( Jernigan, Ostroff, & Ross, 2005 ). The irony is that the alcohol industry is targeting a population that cannot legally drink. If youth were permitted a voice, instead of being silenced by their age, they could more effectively influence regulation of the alcohol industry. As it is, the industry holds on to the power and exposes underage teenagers to excessive amounts of advertising.

Delli Carpini (2000) suggests that young adults (ages 18–29) are, for the most part, disengaged in civic affairs. The author cites a lack of knowledge of political topics and processes, registering to vote, and participation in actions beyond voting, and so forth, to support this premise. The author notes that this lack of interest and involvement in civic affairs is not because young people are disinterested, but rather “because they are alienated from the institutions and processes of civic life and lack the motivation, opportunity, and ability to overcome this alienation” (p. 345).

However, engagement in civic affairs and social change need not be limited to young adults of legal voting age. It is possible for all youth to have a voice and be civically active. Adolescents ages 12–17 are a largely untapped resource within communities; they are part of the community and can become part of the solution to its problems. For example, Lifting New Voices, a demonstration project aimed at engaging 15- to 21-year-olds in community organizing and advocacy, has been very successful ( Checkoway et al., 2003 ). Community projects have resulted in enhanced school environments, including improved quality of food, availability of books, running water in restrooms, and a change in a school suspension policy (Checkoway).

Providing opportunities for youth to successfully participate in social change, giving them a voice, and be involved in civic affairs may develop a generation of youth who carry these skills into adulthood. Armed with advocacy skills and empowered by previous successful experience, these youth may become adults who are involved in larger policy-based decisions that will address the social determinants of health. Furthermore, being involved in advocacy is likely to influence youths' health-related attitudes, beliefs, options, and behaviors ( Winkleby, Feighery, Dunn, Kole, Ahn, & Killen, 2004 ).

In order to give youth a voice and encourage young people to become involved in civic affairs and social change it must be easy and convenient to participate. Common reasons people give for not being involved in advocacy include perceptions that they do not have the time or the skills and do not know where to begin ( Galer-Unti, Tappe & Lachenmayr, 2004 ). Carver, Reinert, Range, & Campbell (2003) reported that some youth may lack confidence in their ability to participate in activism.

Individual participation in social change movements tends to be “stronger” when the activities are “easily integrated into daily life” ( Mankoff, Matthews, Fussel & Johnson, 2007, pg. 4 ). Furthermore, an individual's social networks influence his or her involvement in social movements. Research shows that networks serve three purposes, “structurally connecting prospective participants to an opportunity to participate, socializing them to a protest issue, and shaping their decision to become involved” ( Passy & Giugni, 2001, p. 123 ). In addition, people are more likely to be involved in a cause when they are recruited by close friends and other activists (Passy & Giugni). Being part of a network of family and friends who are already involved in the cause is also a predictor of personal involvement (Passy & Giugni).

The adoption and spread of cell phones in the early 1990s has been attributed to use by youth ( Castells, 2006 ). Teens and young adults throughout Europe, the United States, Asia (Castells), and Brazil ( Nielsen, 2009 ) have the highest rates of cell phone usage as compared to all other age groups. Near the end of 2007, the Worldwatch Institute estimated that there were 70 cell phone subscribers for every 100 residents of the United States ( Chafe, 2007 ). More than 80% of all households in America have at least one cell phone; among households with married couples, 57% of children ages 7 to 17 have access to their own cell phone ( Kennedy, Smith, Wells, & Wellman, 2008 ). Among younger populations, sending text messages on cell phones appears to be one of the most prevalent forms of communication. Sixty percent of 18- to 29-year-olds indicate that they send or receive texts every day ( Horrigan, 2008 ). While this is not the adolescent cohort, it is likely that adolescent text messages rates are higher. Data indicate that the proportion of people who text daily nearly doubles with each decrease in an age group ( Horrigan, 2008 ).

As with cell phones, social networking sites (SNS) are quickly becoming a pervasive part of American culture ( boyd & Ellison, 2007 ). Preliminary data from early 2009 indicate that the use of social networking sites is expanding more significantly than any other online modality, including e-mail ( Nielsen, 2009 ). Over half of all on-line American adolescents, ages 12 to 17, use some form of SNS ( Lenhart & Madden, 2007 ). In a study of 18- to 19-year-old college students, 88% reported using a social networking site ( Hargatti, 2008 ). Ninety-one percent of teenagers who use SNS use them to stay in touch with friends who they frequently see. Almost half of teens reported using SNS to make new friends, while 72% use SNS to make plans with their current friends ( Lenhart & Madden, 2007 ). These numbers reflect the idea that while teens use SNS to find new friends, teens primarily use SNS to strengthen existing networks. These strengthened networks can easily translate into strong advocacy networks when used in an appropriate way.

Raynes-Goldie and Walker (2008) note that for social change to occur advocates need the following: information, people, and tools. Technology, including cell phones and SNS, can provide advocates access to these resources. Use of technology appears to cross ethnic and socioeconomic boundaries ( Horrigan, 2008 ; Lenhart, 2009 ). Therefore, it appears that technologies are a viable means to engage youth in civic affairs and advocacy to address social determinants which may lead to a reduction in health disparities. Technology makes it easy for people to participate. It also lowers the nonfinancial costs, improves the quality of participation, and increases the types of advocacy activities in which they engage ( Delli Carpini, 2000 ). These technologies also engage the individual's social networks.

Mobile technologies include communication devices that use wireless technology to send information or communication across distances to other devices. Cell phones are, perhaps, the most common mobile devices. Cell phones can transmit voice data, text data, also known as short message services (SMS) or text messaging (i.e., up to 160 characters sent from one mobile telephone to another) and audio or video data, known as multimedia services (MMS), (i.e., audio, pictures and video images). Cell phones are increasingly being used to send text messages, take photographs, play games, record and watch videos, and play music ( Horrigan, 2008 ).

In addition, using wireless signals, Internet access is available through web-enabled cell phones. This connectivity allows for sending e-mails, browsing websites, accessing SNS, and receiving updates from websites and blogs through RSS feeds. In 2008, 40 million Americans used their phones to access the web ( Critical Mass, 2008 ) and the number of people who accessed their SNS using a mobile device increased 260% ( Nielsen, 2009 ). These mobile phone capabilities, from the most basic voice call to a technologically complex video, represent the future of communication.

People have been communicating through online discussion groups, message boards, and listservs since the early 1980s ( Grier & Campbell, 2000 ). These programs were associated primarily with companies or social organizations (Grier & Campbell). The development of SNS has allowed a shift in focus from organization-based communication to individual interpersonal communication, among all age groups, but particularly younger people. SNS were specifically designed to help people make and keep connections with others who have similar interests (boyd & Ellison, 2008).

There are several different SNS. Facebook claims 200 million active users and estimate that their users spend 3.5 billion minutes on Facebook daily ( Facebook, 2009 ). MySpace, another SNS, purports to have 184 million users, and Friendster, 50 million users ( 5 facts about social networking sites, 2008 ). In addition to Facebook, MySpace, and Friendster there are at least 130 other SNS ( List of social networking websites , 2009 ). These range from SNS with broad target audiences to narrow target populations, such as an SNS for people interested in hospitality at home and abroad ( The Hospitality Club, 2006 ).

A SNS is “an online location where a user can create a profile and build a personal network that connects him or her to other users” ( Lenhart & Madden, 2007, p. 1 ).To join a SNS a person creates a personal account profile which becomes the person's page. On personal profiles, people share factual information about themselves, including preferences and the causes or groups they support. In each SNS people can invite other users to become their friend , or request that they be added as a friend. Some SNS, such as Facebook, will only allow individuals to create profiles, but organizations can create pages. The functionality for individuals' profiles and organization pages is essentially the same. The primary difference is that individuals have friends and organization pages have fans.

SNS have multiple ways for friends to communicate with each other. These options include walls, comments, groups, forums, and private messages. For instance, MySpace allows for people to write on others' profile pages in the comments section. Similarly, on Facebook a person can write on someone else's wall –a space connected to the person's personal profile. Any friend on Facebook can read any comment or wall post. Users can send each other private messages, which are just like e-mails.

All SNS allow people to join groups and participate in forums discussing various topics. SNS groups can be either public, meaning anyone can join, or private, meaning an invitation is required. Once a group member, the person is immediately connected to a network of people who feel passionately about the issue, who are easily accessible, and easily mobilized. Group members share recent news, give encouragement, share pictures and videos, and express opinions.

SNS also allow for creating events and sending personal or group invitations to an event. The event invitation indicates the event description, date, time, location, and contact person. With event invitations, people can respond with a RSVP, letting the organizer know in advance how many people will attend.

Advocates using these technologies can share information at a faster pace, recruit more people and use a variety of tools to implement the necessary action for social change. Specifically, youth advocates can use cell phones and SNS for 1) recruiting people to join the cause, 2) organizing collective action, 3) raising awareness and shaping attitudes, 4) raising funds to support the cause, and 5) communicating with decision makers. While both cell phones and SNS can be used for these advocacy-related purposes there are advantages and disadvantages to using one over the other in various situations. Table 2 outlines the comparative qualities of each.

Comparative qualities of social networking sites and cell phones in advocacy

Recruit people to join an advocacy cause. Although individuals can participate in personal advocacy efforts, collective action of a larger group is generally more efficacious. For advocates, either individuals or organizations, who are interested in using technology, one of the first steps is to create a network of individuals. Advocates who use cell phones will want to gather cell phone numbers and program these numbers as a group in the phone. On SNS an organization might create a page and invite people to become fans.

Once networks are established, there are several ways to recruit people to join a cause. Using cell phones, most simply, a call or text message inviting someone to become a member is all that may be needed. On SNS an advocate can send a message to friends or fans with whom they are linked. Another way to recruit people to join a cause on a SNS is to create a group. These groups are a natural means of recruiting advocates. An adolescent can create a group supporting a certain policy issue and proceed to show a decision maker how many people support the cause. Focus groups conducted with state senators and representatives revealed that hearing from as few as three or five their constituents influences their position on an issue ( March of Dimes, 2001 ).

Another way to recruit people on a SNS is through applications . Applications are features on SNS that allow people to interact with one another. Applications may include things such as virtual gifts, games, and the most popular, causes . Sending a friend a cause application demonstrates one's support of the cause. Causes can also be designed to raise funds. For example on Facebook the application (Lil) Green Patch raises awareness about global warming and encourages people to take action to make a difference ( http://apps.facebook.com/greentrees/send-plants.php ). Through this application people can plant fruit with their friends while sponsors contribute money each time the application is used. Individuals using the application can also make donations to other global warming-based causes.

Organize collective action. Using technology to organize collective action has been proven successful. The Howard Dean 2004 primary U.S. presidential campaign is frequently cited as an example of the power of technology to mobilize groups for political action ( Hindman, 2005 ). During the 2008 presidential election, all the major candidates successfully leveraged cell phones and SNS to recruit and organize political supporters ( Sanson, 2008 ). Research shows that nearly two-thirds (66%) of Internet users under the age of 30 have a SNS, and during the 2008 election, half of them used that site to “to get or share information about the candidates and the campaign” ( Smith & Rainie, 2008, p.ii ). In addition, international political action campaigns have used text messages to effectively mobilize people that affected the outcome of an election (Hong, 2005).

Individuals can organize collective action on a SNS by sending an alert or message to all group members. A post can also be made to a SNS wall. This post is received by all friends or fan members.

Using cell phones, text message can be sent to all group members. For example, the Energy Action Coalition, which works with thousands of youth on the topic of clean energy and alternative energy sources, hosted PowerShift 09, an effort aimed at influencing climate legislation. During their visits to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC the youth used text messaging and cell phone to keep their counterparts up to date on events ( Teplitzky, 2009 ). When the legislative committees were on break, a message was sent to all group members telling them that now was the time to call their representative ( PowerShift09, 2009 )

In addition, organizing advocates can be accomplished by a person creating an event invitation on his or her SNS and sending it to all of his or her friends and fans. An event could be a meeting, a rally, a press conference, and so forth. As mentioned previously, the organizer can request RSVPs for the event. If the turnout will be high, the media should be invited to the event, as part of a media advocacy strategy. For instance, youth could text their friends to attend the local board of health meeting that night to show support for the proposed local ordinance of no smoking in the public park.

Raise awareness and shape attitudes. As noted earlier, successful advocacy results from people changing how they think about an issue. SNS and cell phones make it easy for people to engage in conversation to debate and discuss the issues. Through text messages, posts to SNS discussion boards, wall posts, or e-mails to groups people begin to become more informed about the issues, think about them in a new way, and how it affects their environment. For example, youth may dialog on a SNS discussion board about the lack of neighborhood street lighting and its impact on crime rates.

In advocacy efforts, a tactic referred to as media advocacy has been used for increasing public awareness about a topic and garnering mass media coverage. Technology allows for additional grassroots efforts by advocacy group members through citizen journalism. Citizen journalism encompasses reporting of news, investigative blogging, hyperlocal journalism, and digital storytelling by the lay public ( Rheingold, 2008 ). Engaging in citizen journalism on a SNS a person can post copies of communication sent to mass media, including letters to the editor, op-ed pieces, or news releases. A person can also upload related photos, videos or podcasts. For example, youth could write a letter to the editor about the lack of fruits and vegetables at the neighborhood grocery store and then post it on his SNS where his friends and others can read it. The potential impact of exposure to events from lay public sharing their experiences on the Internet was illustrated during the 2006 election cycle when a volunteer for Jim Webb's senate campaign in the U.S. state of Virginia followed his opponent, incumbent Senator George Allen, around filming his stump speeches. The senator referred to the volunteer, who was of Indian descent, as “Macaca”. The volunteer posted this video on YouTube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r90z0PMnKwI ). The incident resulted in an apology from the senator ( Craig & Shear, 2006 ).

A related, and particularly powerful, advocacy strategy to raise awareness is photovoice. Photovoice is the process of using photographs to depict a community and using that as a catalyst for change. The goals of photovoice are “(1) to enable people to record and reflect their community's strengths and concerns, (2) to promote critical dialogue and knowledge about important community issues through large and small group discussion of photographs, and (3) to reach policy makers” ( Wang & Burris, 1997, p. 370 ). A powerful of example of photovoice in the recent past happened during Hurricane Katrina. A blog was created for people to upload photos and videos of Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath and write their feelings about what occurred ( http://hurricane-katrina-pictures.com/ ). This same type of arena could be created on a SNS.

Typically, a photovoice campaign supplies a target population with cameras. The individuals return to their home environment to take pictures and write their impressions or feelings about their situation. Supplying each person with a camera creates a financial barrier to photovoice; however, most cell phones can be used as cameras. Youth participate in photovoice by uploading pictures of their environment and posting on their SNS how that environment impacts their lives.

One of the key improvements that mobile technology makes to photovoice is the ability to upload pictures in real time. If the phone has Internet access, the picture could be immediately uploaded to a blog or SNS and the photographer could record his or her impressions instantaneously. It would be more effective for a decision maker to receive a video of cars speeding down the neighborhood street rather than hearing about it anecdotally a few weeks later.

Raise funds to support a cause. Advocacy groups require budgets to support their efforts. As mentioned previously, SNS cause applications can raise funds. In addition, both cell phones and SNS could be part of a larger marketing campaign to raise money. The ability to organize groups, communicate with group members, invite people to events are all available through a SNS. Cell phones could be used for a text message campaign to solicit donations. For instance, people would be asked to send a text message to 55555 with the word help . Doing so would contribute a predetermined amount to the advocacy cause. The American Red Cross successfully used this strategy to raise funds to help victims of Hurricane Katrina ( Nobles, 2006 ). While youth may be less able to donate financially, a campaign could be designed as a collaborative effort between parents and youth.

Communicate with decision makers. Success of advocacy efforts requires persuasive communication with decision makers. Traditional advocacy efforts include calling or writing a policy or decision maker to ask for support or to educate him or her about an issue. With technology, advocates are not limited by time and space or method. A phone call can be made or text message sent from anywhere at any time; a message can be posted on the decision maker's SNS page. These features make it easy for people to be involved in a simple advocacy action. For instance, a youth could post a message on the mayor's SNS page asking for her vote at the town council meeting where a skate park is being discussed.

Youth can use technology in a variety of ways to become more involved in advocacy. The following are three case studies. The first one is hypothetical, illustrating an ideal way to combine advocacy and technology. The second and third case studies are actual examples of youth advocacy.

Case Study 1. Paola's younger brother was recently hit and killed by a car while playing near his house in San Diego, California. The apartment complex where he lived had no sidewalk and nearly no grass. The road running in front of their apartment is busy and the speed limit is 55 MPH. As part of Paola's grieving process, she called her friend Laura. As Laura heard about Paola's living situation, she was incensed. After their conversation, Laura posted an entry on her blog about it, which appeared on her MySpace profile. Several of Laura's friends made comments on her page regarding the situation, so Laura started a group, “Citizens for Safe Streets,” within MySpace. One of the group members heard a podcast regarding the need for safer, slower streets near residential areas, which he subsequently posted on the group page. After listening to this podcast several group members demanded that the group take some kind of action. One member took the initiative to post Frogger, a game that can be downloaded to a personal cell phone; however, the cost of downloading the game was a call to a city council member to talk to them about the problem in Paola's neighborhood. Once they could enter in a city council member's name and details from the conversation, they could download the game (which incidentally is about crossing a street safely).

After the city council had received over 50 calls, Laura thought it would be a good time to organize a rally. She uploaded a video news clip from Paola's brother's funeral and asked each group member to download it to their cell phones and then forward it with a message about attending the rally at the city council office as a text to three contacts. Laura also contacted the local news stations and asked them to attend. Over 400 people attended the rally. While there, they signed a petition asking the city council to allocate funds to lower the speed limit, put in speed bumps, and build a sidewalk in Paola's neighborhood. One member of the rally sent constant Twitters (i.e., miniblogging in real time) to a group blog from his cell phone to inform interested parties about what was going on at the rally. Many people commented on the blog in support of the rally. At a designated time the leaders were able to meet with the city council members. When the leaders showed the council members the petition, the support on the blog, and the reporters outside, the council members agreed to reduce the speed limit, put in speed bumps, and build a sidewalk in Paola's neighborhood.

Case Study 2. High school students Jake Beech and Graham Horn from Bexley High School in Ohio found a way to make a political difference. They felt strongly about supporting then Senator Obama in his campaign for the presidency. They created a grassroots movement dubbed “every one counts.” The principle idea was to motivate everyone, whether they could vote or not, to make a $1 contribution to Barack Obama's campaign. They asked for people to send a picture of themselves with their one dollar contribution to be posted on their website www.everyonecounts.org .

To spread the word about this campaign, Jake and Graham created a Facebook group under the political organizations heading ( http://hs.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22511340530 ). The page states their purpose as follows: “Ohio high school students are finding a way to be part of the change we have been waiting for. Although not all of us can vote, we have a voice, and we are uniting to use our collective voice in support of Barack Obama.” They knew that they could advocate for a cause they believed in using a medium with which they were familiar. Their group has 199 members. On the wall of their group several of their peers affirmed what a good idea this was and how they were planning to contribute.

Case Study 3. The 2009 Utah Legislative session included a bill (House Bill 444) which aimed to eliminate $4 million from the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program funds. After hearing about the issues at hand, a young adult named Peter Moosman started Project 1200 in February 2009 (P. Moosman, personal communication, April 17, 2009). About three-fourths of the group members are high school students, with the rest being junior high students and adults. The name of the group came from the fact that 1200 people die every day due to tobacco.

Peter started Project 1200 as a way to get youth involved in the advocacy process and have a group they could be affiliated with as they went to Capitol Hill to lobby. Project 1200 utilized technology in various ways. Project 1200 used several features of Facebook to assist their advocacy work. Peter created a Facebook group. On his own Facebook page he put Project 1200 as his status . He invited his friends to join the group, encouraged them to tell their friends; “the word of mouth spread it.” The Facebook page explained the cause in more detail. They used an events page and included the meeting time, location, and to contact Peter if they have any questions. Project 1200 joined forced with the Utah Phoenix Alliance, a statewide antitobacco group for youth advocacy. The Phoenix Alliance would send text messages and e-mails to their entire youth group about an event and inviting them to come.

Project 1200 used text messaging to contact legislators. The representative, who sponsored the bill to increase the tobacco tax, told Project 1200 that the best way to get a hold of him was through text messaging. He said they cannot always pick up the phone when in a committee meeting and they may not always have their computer to check e-mail. On their Facebook page they posted all the e-mail addresses and phone numbers of the legislators who they were targeting. Then they would tell their youth group members to “send a message to your representative.” Group members would also do a cell phone blitz sending text messages every 5 minutes to legislators.

The efforts of Peter Moosman and Project 1200 had a significant impact. On the last day of the legislative when the committee was voting on the bill to reduce tobacco funding, the representative who was the appropriations cochair said that “due to the many, many, many, many, many [count them: FIVE “manys”] e-mails we received we have decided to strike down our own bill.”

Though Project 1200 started to preserve tobacco prevention and control funding, the group expanded to focus on bills aimed at increasing the tobacco tax, smoking in cars with children, and Internet tobacco sales. And even though the legislative session is over, they have continued to do various advocacy activities throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

Though the advantages of using technology in advocacy are apparent, it is not without limitations. In the 1990s, concerns were expressed about the digital divide, or in other words, the gap between demographic groups who had access to computers, telephones, and the Internet and those who did not ( National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1999 ). Researchers estimate that the digital divide still exists but is perhaps more narrow than in the past, at least in the United States ( Katz, Rice & Aspden, 2001 ). However, Internet and cell phone penetration is lower in several other countries, particularly developing countries ( Castells, 2006 ; Chinn & Fairlie, 2007 ). Researchers suggest that the global divide is explained in part income, but also by other economic factors such as quality of regulation ( Chinn & Fairlie, 2007 ). Therefore, although researchers have used cell phones in developing countries to deliver health care services ( Vital Wave Consulting, 2009 ), use of technology in advocacy may not be applicable across the globe.

One potential negative aspect of employing technology for advocacy is the possibility for selective filtering of messages. Because a person has continual access to information through Internet news sites, personal and professional blogs, Twitter, SNS, cell phones, podcasts, and so forth, it is possible that advocacy causes may get lost in the masses, making it more difficult to recruit and maintain supporters. However, on the upside, with the increased communication channels that technology provides, there is the likelihood that an increased number of people will be reached and overall awareness increased.

Engaging in advocacy efforts through use of technology is not intended to replace traditional advocacy efforts such as face to face meetings with decision makers, but rather enhance and augment them. Knowing the communication preferences of decision makers will be vital. While youth are familiar with, adept at using, and regularly use technology, some decision makers, particularly those in older age groups, may not be. So while technology may be a useful tool for organizing advocates it may not be the decision maker's preferred communication channel. However, with a continued an increase in cell phone and Internet penetration, and expanded reach of SNS, this disparity may narrow over time.

To make a significant change in the social determinants of health will require strategic advocacy on the part of all individuals. Youth as advocates is an essential part of this strategy. Technology makes it easy and convenient for youth to participate. It allows for integration of advocacy into their daily route. As a generation who is both comfortable and fluent with using technology, the key for public health is to harness these skills and direct them toward use in health advocacy. Making deliberate efforts to combine technology and youth advocacy will give youth a voice, increase their personal efficacy for participating in advocacy, and impact the social determinants that affect the health status of people in their communities and throughout the world.

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Thematic Factsheet | Youth and Empowerment

Youth and Empowerment

Today the world is home to the largest generation of young people in history – 1.2 billion people  i . Close to 90 per cent of the world’s youth live in developing countries, where they constitute a high proportion of the population. In Africa, the world’s youngest continent, the youth population is projected to reach 830 million by 2050. As the global youth population continues to grow, youth empowerment has become an important cross-cutting issue for the achievement of all of the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2018, the United Nations (UN) issued a Youth Strategy to guide the entire UN as it steps up its work with and for young people across its three pillars – sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights. The way in which countries respond to the shifting demographics in the world, as well as the ways in which young people navigate their transition into adulthood, are critical for the progress of humankind and the health of the planet. Connected to each other like never before through digital technologies, young people want to, and already contribute to, the resilience of their communities, proposing innovative solutions, driving social progress and inspiring political change, in both urban and rural contexts. Investing in young people opens the door to an unparalleled multiplier effect. At the same time, young people are also facing major challenges in both the developed world and developing world. While many developed countries have seen prospects for younger generations plummet, many developing countries struggle to create enough employment to absorb their demographic youth bulge. When taken together, African countries see 33,000 youth join the search for employment each day, while 60 per cent of them will remain unemployed  ii . Across the world, today’s youth are three times more likely to be unemployed than other adults, with the global youth unemployment rate standing at 13 per cent  iii.

What UNESCO does

As one of its priority groups, and guided by its Operational Strategy on Youth (2014-2021), UNESCO believes that youth are essential to finding solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. UNESCO’s approach is to nurture the capacity of youth as powerful agents of change, engaging youth not only as beneficiaries, but also ensuring they take active part in the design and implementation of public policies. UNESCO’s Youth Programme includes several cross-sectoral initiatives, including the biennial  UNESCO Youth Forums , which bring together youth at UNESCO’s Headquarters to discuss today’schallenges and how they can be addressed through UNESCO’s fields of competence. Youth are also directly involved in UNESCO activities through internships, the Young Volunteer Programme and UNESCO Campuses.

The UNESCO Culture Sector’s engagement with youth is particularly driven by SDG target 4.7, which calls for all learners to acquire an appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. Participation in cultural life is necessary for young people to gain an understanding of their own culture and that of others, which in turn broadens horizons; strengthens their ability to resolve conflicts peacefully; and fosters respect for cultural diversity. Furthermore, the right of young people to access and participate in cultural life is enshrined in international law, forming a key part of their cultural and human rights

Through the  World Heritage Education Programme , UNESCO is ensuring that youth learn about the value of heritage and become involved in the pr otection and preservation of our common cultural and natural heritage for future generations. Under this long-running programme, young people can volunteer in action camps held at World Heritage sites and can exchange ideas and concerns in World Heritage Youth Fora, while teachers and other educators are equipped with kits to teach secondary school learners about the importance of World Heritage. Skill development workshops on core subjects and transversal themes related to World Heritage are also organized for young people. In 2018, UNESCO teamed up with the European Union to launch the  Engaging Youth for an Inclusive Sustainable Europe project  under the auspices of the 2018  European Year of Cultural Heritage . In May 2019, the European Young Heritage Professionals Forum was held in Zadar, Croatia, bringing together 28 young heritage professionals from across Europe. It was the first forum of its kind to address both the synergies and challenges of tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the European context.

Youth are key stakeholders in global efforts on the prevention of violent extremism (PVE), and UNESCO is one of the leading agencies on this priority area for the UN, particularly taking the lead on education. As part of its efforts, UNESCO is increasing awareness on the need to safeguard heritage as a means of strengthening the resilience of youth in the fight against extremism. In 2015, the #Unite4Heritage campaign was launched in response to violent attacks on cultural heritage, especially in the Arab region. The destruction of heritage by extremist groups can be viewed fundamentally as a tool in the battle for the hearts and minds of young people. The  #Unite4Heritage  campaign made young people aware of the value of heritage and diversity through an integrated approach, combining social and traditional media and events in the field. It provided a cultural alternative narrative to vulnerable young people that went beyond simply deconstructing the rhetoric of violent extremism. The narrative was developed through an extensive research and consultation process, involving the participation of experts and young people. The #Unite4Heritage campaign has since become a widely expanding global movement devoted to the engagement of a global audience, with young people as its core demographic. In 2017, UNESCO provided analysis of cross-cutting research on  Youth and Violent Extremism on Social Media  and proposed policy recommendations on this complex emerging issue. In 2018, the US$ 2 million project,  Prevention of Violent Extremism through Youth Empowerment in Jordan, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia , was launched in collaboration with UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. This participatory project involves many UNESCO Sectors and will support youth civic engagement and equip youth with knowledge, tools and skills to participate in peace-building. Cultural activities under the project include an Arab World Heritage Young Professionals Forum and activities in the framework of the World Heritage Volunteers Initiative. It also draws on lessons from the five-year  Networks of Mediterranean Youth project  that ended in 2018.

The UNESCO Culture Sector also works to integrate intangible cultural heritage into formal and non-formal education. Education programmes provide important spaces to ensure the continued transmission of intangible cultural heritage to future generations. At the same time, intangible cultural heritage can enhance the classroom experience, making education more meaningful and relevant to young people and fostering a sense of belonging. Based on outcomes of a pilot project in four countries in the Asia-Pacific region – Pakistan, Palau, Uzbekistan and Vietnam, UNESCO published  Learning with Intangible Heritage for a Sustainable Future  to provide guidance to educators, and is implementing a  series of projects  to integrate living heritage into formal and non-formal education systems across the globe.

In line with SDG targets 4.4 and 8.6 aiming respectively to increase technical and vocation skills for youth and to increase youth employment, under its Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005), UNESCO is helping young people access and create work opportunities in the cultural and creative sectors. Globally, cultural and creative industries represent 30 million jobs worldwide, employing more people ages 15 to 29 than any other sector  iv  and with some of these industries attracting a disproportionately high number of young workers. The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) under the 2005 Convention has funded several youth-focused projects that focus on building capacities of young people as professional creators. Through the  You Are Next initiative , UNESCO is supporting women entrepreneurs under the age of 40 by expanding their access to funding, infrastructure, equipment and co-production opportunities in the digital creative industries. Employment in the cultural and creative sectors provides more than economic sustenance; it also gives people an avenue to express their voices, thus enabling empowerment on several levels. Some studies on the future of work also suggest that jobs and skills in the creative sector are at very low risk of displacement due to increased digitization and are therefore strategic areas to support for future employability  v . The 2005 Convention has also provided technical support to countries to improve artistic training and content for children and youth. For example, Argentina received support to strengthen the capacity of its audio-visual sector to produce local content for children, while Burkina Faso received support for developing an arts education policy.

UNESCO is also working to promote youth employment in heritage reconstruction and recovery. As part of UNESCO’s  Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative , the European Union is providing 20 million euros for a series of urban reconstruction projects in Mosul and Basra, which will provide jobs and skills development for approximately 1,500 young people, internally displaced persons and returnees. In 2018, UNESCO and the European Union launched a 10-million-euro cash-for-work programme that aims to provide employment opportunities to Yemen’s youth through the restoration of the country’s World Heritage cities and historic urban areas.

Youth employment and inclusion will be particularly crucial at the city level, as cities are increasingly hosts to large youth populations. UN-Habitat estimates that by 2030, 60 percent of urban populations will be under the age of 18. Cities are also increasingly multicultural. The capacities for intercultural dialogue of urban youth will therefore also be essential. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which brings together more than 246 cities that have made creativity a key element of their development strategies, provides a platform for exchange and experience sharing for cities harnessing the power of culture for their youth. The 2019 publication  Culture Lab 2030 : Voices of the City presents examples of cities that integrate youth training in urban regeneration projects to ensure employability, and that have launched innovative initiatives, including ones designed to interest youth in traditional trades that have experienced dwindling interest among young people.

Key Facts and Figures

More than 50% of IFCD funding has gone to projects that empower youth. Recent examples are: Empowering Gaza’s Youth through Theatre (Palestine 2019 – 2020); Strengthening Urban Cultures in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo, 2019–2020); and Entrepreneurs for Diversity: Strengthening Regional Creative Industries in Mesoamerica (Guatemala, Mexico, 2018-2019). More youth-focused projects can be found on the  IFCD projects page , by searching UNESCO priority ‘youth’.

Experience with intercultural dialogue and an understanding of the value of cultural heritage and diversity is essential for countering violent extremism and safeguarding heritage for future generations. As of 2018, under the World Heritage Education Programme, the World Heritage Volunteers Initiative implemented more than 350 action camps at approximately 150 World Heritage sites in more than 60 countries, involving some 120 organizations and institutions, and directly engaging over 5,000 young volunteers.

73 million young people currently face unemployment around the world. The cultural and creative industries (CCI) which represent 30 million jobs worldwide can be a key source of both economic and social empowerment. Digital CCI sectors in particular engage a disproportionately highnumber of young people, who have the advantage of being digital nativ

Policy Guidance

To understand the status of youth participation in various forms of cultural life – cultural employment, access to culture and non-formal cultural education – it is important to collect age-disaggregated data.

It is also important to establish targets for youth participation, in particular for funding and training programmes so that youth are being offered opportunities for empowerment. This will help toensure young people’s full involvement in the safeguarding and transmission of living heritage; in the conservation of tangible heritage; and in the cultural and creative industries.

While some young people are digital natives, it is important to ensure that all youth have an opportunity to develop digital skills and media literacy necessary to navigate the world today.•Youth must be regularly engaged in fora that allow them to offer their perspectives and makecontributions to policies and support initiatives. It is important that youth are actively engaged as change makers.

Facilitating and promoting policy dialogues on the importance of culture for sustainable development with special emphasis on participation of youth, and youth-related civil society groups also help promote youth empowerment and engagement.

i  There is no universally agreed upon definition of youth. For statistical purposes however, the UN Secretariat defines ‘youth’ as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24. It should be noted that the UN Youth Strategy also takes into consideration other definitions of youth used by UN Agencies, Programmes and Member States, as does UNESCO

ii  UNDP Africa Blog. 12 Aug 2017.  Promise Or Peril? Africa’s 830 Million Young People By 2050 .

iii  United Nations. 2018. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2018.

iv  EY. 2015. Cultural times: the first global map of cultural and creative industries.

v  See for example NESTA.2015. Creativity vs. Robots: The Creative Economy and the Future of Employment.

Related items

• Youth employment
• Empowerment

Youth empowerment

Today’s 1.45 billion young people  (aged 18 to 29), the largest youth generation ever, are actively shaping the world. They are digitally connected, passionate about bringing change, and increasingly driving social, political, and economic progress in their local communities and beyond.

However, significant challenges remain. Young people, in particular young women and girls, face disproportionate obstacles across the globe.  In many countries, young people face exclusion based on their age, often intersecting with other forms of marginalization linked to gender, location and background, undermining development and social cohesion. Across the world, outdated norms continue to sideline and silence youth, denying them of their rights and crucial role in shaping and implementing policies and decisions that affect them and future generations.

UNDP recognizes the immense potential of young people as positive agents of change and supports governments, civil society actors, and youth-led networks, in creating an enabling environment with a focus on:

• Inclusive Governance: Young people have a right to influence decisions impacting their lives. UNDP promotes and supports meaningful youth participation at all levels, from local to global, to strengthen democratic processes.
• Meaningful Action: From tackling unemployment and leading climate action to building peace and development processes, young people are driving positive change. UNDP provides them with the resources and support to thrive and participate in SDG integration, implementation, and monitoring.
• Sustainable Future: Innovation thrives through fresh perspectives. UNDP empowers young minds to champion a more sustainable, inclusive and peaceful future through capacity building, mentoring, financial support, and by strengthening global networks through outreach, advocacy, and thought leadership.

UNDP’s commitment to youth empowerment is multifaceted. UNDP advocates and promotes inclusive policies, invests in youth leadership development, and cultivates global networks for collaboration.

Invest in Youth. Invest in Our Future. Partner with UNDP to unlock the transformative power of this generation and build inclusive and resilient societies together. Follow @UNDP4Youth on X and Instagram and visit  UNDP Global Youth space.

Use the hashtags:  #Youth2030  |  #Youth4Peace  |  #Youth4Climate  | |  #Generation17

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Youth empowerment, education, employment key to future development

“The world now has the largest generation of young people in history. I place great hope in their power to shape our future,” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told leaders and dignitaries at High-Level Event on the Demographic Dividend and Youth Employment, held at UN Headquarters in New York on June 1st.

Much the world is poised experience a demographic dividend – the economic growth that can occur when a population shifts from one with many dependents and comparatively few working-age people to one of many working-age people with fewer dependents. Demographic dividends have helped produce unprecedented economic growth in several East Asian countries. The Republic of Korea, for example, saw its per-capita gross domestic product grow about 2,200 per cent between 1950 and 2008.

But, as Egypt’s Minister of Population Dr. Hala Youssef told the policymakers and leaders present, “The demographic dividend is not automatic… It is a window of opportunity.” 

Igniting the potential of 1.8 billion

To realize the dividend, countries must invest in the empowerment, education and employment of their young people. There are 1.8 billion young people in the world today, representing a staggering amount of human potential. Yet too many of them are trapped in poverty, with few opportunities to learn or to earn a decent living.

“We all appreciate the massive waste of human capital in our world when 74 million young people cannot find work,” said Mr. Ban.

Young people are hungry for better options. “They are rejecting the status quo and demanding a better future. Many of them are claiming their right to a decent living, and they are willing to take risks to do so. We have seen in recent times the high numbers of young people taking risks around the Mediterranean, trying to reach a better life,” said Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA. 

But if these youth are allowed to realize their full potential, developing countries could see huge economic gains.

“The more young people grow into well-educated adults with fewer dependants and new opportunities to acquire wealth, savings and purchasing power, the more they will be able to accelerate economic growth and development,” said Sam K. Kutesa, President of the 69th Session of the General Assembly, who convened the high-level event with support from UNFPA and the International Labour Organization.

“It is estimated the African continent could add up to about $500 billion per year to its economy for as many as 30 years,” Mr. Kutesa added.

Steps towards a better future

There are clear steps that can help countries achieve a demographic dividend.

Increasing investment in young people is key. This includes promoting quality education that prepares them for future opportunities. A “diversity of training will be needed – from quality primary and secondary schools to technical training, to two-year colleges and to research-intensive universities,” said Dr. Osotimehin. 

Also essential is “empowering women and girls, and ensuring their sexual and reproductive health and human rights,” he noted. “This would enable them to determine when and whom to marry and the number of their children.” When women and girls are able to make these decisions, they are better able to complete their educations and pursue jobs.

Countries must also increase employment opportunities for young people. Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture of the Bahamas, stressed this point. “Many young people will be forced to sit on margins of society, waiting on the train track for a train that may never come,” he said, referring to the lack of employment options available in many communities. 

There is also a critical need to involve young people in decisions that will affect them. “We cannot talk about sustainable development without the active involvement of youth,” Mr. Ban said, adding: “When we give young people decent jobs, political weight, negotiating muscle, and real influence in our world, they will create a better future.”

“Let us take these ideas forward to harness the demographic dividend, holding human rights, gender equality, human capital, and dignity at the center of all our investments,” Dr. Osotimehin said at the close of the event. “Only by ensuring opportunities that open the future to all young people do we create a better future.”

Image: Students in Cotonou, Benin. © UNFPA Benin/Ollivier Girard 

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Childhope Philippines, on the Importance of Tapping the Youth’s Potential to Empower our Future

• February 10, 2022

According to the United Nations, the youth comprises 16 percent of the world’s population. Here in the Philippines, 28 percent of our country’s population is composed of the youth sector or those belonging to the age range of 10 to 24 years. With that number, it’s safe to say that indeed, the youth is important when it comes to shaping and developing the society we live in. They have the capability to determine the future, not only of a community and a nation; they can also shape future of the world.

The youth sector has this role of making the change that needs to be done in order to have a better community. If something is working for a certain outcome, there is a high dependence on youth for its maintenance. Simply put, they are in charge of making changes that matter and maintaining cultures that positively impact our communities. The youth is the backbone of the nation and the youth is indeed our future.

With these being said , the youth need to be empowered in order to play their role in the development of the society. Youth empowerment is one of the things that a community should look into in order to engage and involve the youth, especially in making the decisions for the future—the future that the youth will live in.

What is Youth Empowerment?

Youth empowerment is the process of involving the youth and the young population in the decision-making of a community. As the realization that the youth has a voice that a community should listen to; it also presents an avenue through which they can make their voices heard and recognize the power that they have.

Youth empowerment is characterized by efforts that help them be involved, whether in their education, community programs, and support services. We can also show youth empowerment by enhancing and strengthening their capabilities and role in the youth sector. There is this innate power within them that is capable of making this world a much better place, and through youth empowerment, we recognize this power and strengthen it more. We ignite the flame of their power towards the development of our society through youth empowerment.

Why is Youth Empowerment Important?

Empowering the youth is important because we need to give them the push they need in order to take control of their future. We need to equip them with the right tools in order to make better decisions for their future. Another reason is that this will help them cultivate their skills and discover their potential that will be beneficial to their personal and professional development. If they were able to unleash their best qualities, they have better chances of a better future.

Be it in the form of better judgment and wisdom when it comes to making decisions for their personal lives or by having a stellar career that not only helps them financially but also allows them to be an asset to the economy; youth empowerment also helps them better understand their roles and duties to the society. Through this, long-term effects of youth empowerment may lead to better perception of the youth sector towards education, poverty alleviation, even crime reduction and decrease in juvenile delinquency.

What are Examples of Youth Empowerment?

There are many ways and approaches to empower today’s youth. The communities they belong to must also recognize their roles when it comes to youth empowerment to allow them to reach their full potential. Formation of training and development initiatives that directly involve the youth should be present in their programs within their communities. Here are a few.

Knowledge Development

Youth empowerment may be done by presenting how education and knowledge help when it comes to having a better future. It is very important that the youth are educated. Literacy and having proper knowledge is also important. By making sure children have access to quality education or that we develop programs that cater to their knowledge needs, we are already a step toward the right direction.

Personal Development Trainings and Programs

Youth empowerment goes beyond formal education and knowledge development. Other training and programs such as vocational training, workshops, and leadership seminars will also help the youth realize their full potential. Through these initiatives, we can also target those areas, for instance, their creativity, that may not be addressed by education alone.

Another approach in empowering youth is through coaching and mentoring. Through these, we guide and assist the youth on a more personal level, making them better understand their roles and duties to the society as well as their capabilities.

Socio-civic Involvement

Youth empowerment may also be done by introducing the youth sector to socio-civic organizations and encouraging them to take part in programs that help the communities. Through this, we are making them realize that they can contribute greatly to their community and that they are capable of making a change. Their strengthened connection and partnerships with organizations also gives them the sense of community engagement.

Other than these concrete examples of youth empowerment, it is also necessary to make other steps in order to make the youth feel empowered. Whenever they have the opportunity to make decisions, encourage and support them. Let them contribute and decide for the common good. Make it known to them that you trust their decision and that you believe that their decision is factual and beneficial, while keeping them grounded by providing guidance and leadership if needed.

Another way of practicing youth empowerment is by exposing them to role models they can look up to. Push them to step up, and encourage them to take on new challenges and lead others.

What are the Current Issues Related to Youth Empowerment?

There are still issues up to this day that hinder or affect youth empowerment or their involvement as a whole, and one of them is poverty. With poverty come other issues that include one’s limited or lack of access to basic and quality education and other resources. Poverty also comes into picture when an individual has to focus on making sure that they have access to necessities before making sure that they engage in programs that support youth empowerment.

Other issues worthy of note are lack of exposure and involvement in community programs and the absence of role models and mentors. Being oppressed when it comes to decision making is also among the problems hampering youth empowerment. The society’s stereotype that the youth are still too young to actively participate and to collaborate is still another challenge. Other sectors of the communities’ rejection of the capabilities and the youth also pose issues related to youth empowerment.

Childhope Philippines’ Programs and Projects to Empower Youth

Notwithstanding the challenges at hand, we at Childhope Philippines strongly believe in youth empowerment and what they can do for our community. Because of that, we make sure that we do what we can in order to give the youth the push that they need in order to realize their full potential. We implement programs and projects that enable the youth to develop and be the leader that they are. Our programs are geared toward making the youth be drivers of change and development in our communities.

Our Street Education and Protection (STEP) Program is divided into 4 major components; through which we implement activities that aim to ensure holistic development for the children and youth that we meet.

KalyEskwela

Our school on the streets. Recognizing education as one of the approaches to empowering youth, we make sure that we educate the children under our care through Alternative Learning System (ALS) wherein we use modules and audiovisual equipment to conduct classes and trainings. Our KalyEskwela uses a mobile van for a wider reach.

Psychosocial Interventions

Youth empowerment also encompasses the well-being of the youth. We provide counseling for those who might have trouble dealing with stress and challenges that they encounter, especially while learning.

Health and Medical Services

KliniKalye, our mobile health clinic, provides primary preventive medical care , consultations, and treatments to make sure that our youth is in optimum health condition to learn.

Skills Development

We provide leadership trainings, computer literacy trainings, sports and arts clinics, among others. We ensure that we also nurture their values and personalities as part of our youth empowerment programs. In line with our KalyEskwela efforts, we also do livelihood trainings for those who are capable and educational aid for those who might need help with going back to the formal school system.

To know more about our initiatives, check out our other youth empowerment projects .

What You Can Do

You can be the hope of our future leaders by joining us in our cause and supporting our efforts to empower our youth through education. You can share and send donations to help us in what we do for our youth. Join us by being a volunteer ! You can be an advocate of change and be a driver of youth empowerment. Together, we can ensure that our youth are being honed into the leaders that they are.

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The Role of Youth in Achieving the SDGs: Supporting Youth-Led Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems

• First Online: 11 October 2019

Cite this chapter

• Dario Piselli 5 , 6 ,
• Siamak Sam Loni 7 ,
• Kayla Colyard 8 &
• Sienna Nordquist 9 , 10  

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Young people are often identified as “the leaders of tomorrow”. In recent years, however, this mantra has slowly been replaced by a growing emphasis on the role of youth communities as critical agents of change, “leaders of today” who are already contributing to the sustainable development of their economies and societies. This holds particularly true for the challenge of food system sustainability, given that increases in agricultural productivity and broader rural transformation critically require skills and knowledge that rural youth are more likely to possess over older adults. Accordingly, this chapter analyzes the interplay between existing youth-led contributions to implement Sustainable Development Goal 2 (‘No Hunger’) and the challenges imposed upon young people by unsustainable agricultural practices and food systems. First, the chapter examines the negative impacts that unsustainable food systems have on rural youth, including in terms of rural outmigration, youth unemployment and rural poverty. Secondly, the chapter focuses on young people’s actual contributions to sustainable food system transformations, as well as on the importance of addressing the barriers facing young farmers and entrepreneurs in their countries and communities.

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Piselli, D., Loni, S.S., Colyard, K., Nordquist, S. (2019). The Role of Youth in Achieving the SDGs: Supporting Youth-Led Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems. In: Valentini, R., Sievenpiper, J., Antonelli, M., Dembska, K. (eds) Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Through Sustainable Food Systems. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23969-5_13

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Modern-day youth activism: youth engagement in the digital age, social media poses risks and challenges, but it can also be a powerful tool for youth activism. here’s what gfc has learned about digital civic engagement..

During the pandemic, young people are finding innovative ways to connect, learn, and educate others about the issues that matter to them. Generation Z is transforming civic engagement and, with it, the world.

Most notable is the use of social media to connect and engage with like-minded peers and promote online civic engagement . Social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok are becoming safe spaces for young people to speak out and initiate campaigns, including the Sunrise Movement and the Black Lives Matter movement. Hashtags, mentions, and direct messages make it easy for young people and organizations to interact and work together to create meaningful change.

In August, I hosted an internal Global Fund for Children meeting on the digital transformation of youth action. Our team gathered to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of online activism, digital strategies, and the latest evolution of youth activism.

The Power of Social Media to Spark Civic Discourse

On social media, young people are engaging in conversations about local and global issues such as migration, climate change, and healthcare. The wealth of online information makes it easy for young people to educate themselves and others about issues that are important to them and amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard. Social media also creates opportunities to call out corruption and injustice, raise public awareness at a record-breaking pace, and form allies to fight for change.

“The pandemic has shown us alternatives as to how we can show our voices,” said Leni Alvarez, a member of GFC’s Youth Leadership Council and also part of the team at GFC partner Otros Dreams en Acción (ODA) , an organization dedicated to mutual support and political action for and by those who grew up in the United States and now find themselves in Mexico due to deportation, the deportation of a family member, or the threat of deportation.

“At ODA, we have been able to build a transnational movement for the rights of deported and forcibly returned young migrants through social media,” Leni said.

Young people are also finding safe spaces online to connect with others who are like them or are facing similar challenges. Those who feel isolated or marginalized because of their identity or other challenges can find resources, information, and people they can relate to, forming connections and solidarity that can grow into political action. On TikTok, for instance, sisters Emma and Floli use fun dance videos to raise awareness about feminist issues, racism, and equal rights for all.

Digital Civic Engagement: Effective or INEFFECTIVE?

With so much online activism visible among today’s youth, a critical question is, “How does it translate into real life?” Online awareness raising and education does not necessarily effect change without in-person action. A major topic of discussion among the GFC team was online engagement facilitating “armchair activism” or “slacktivism,” a term for supporting a political or social cause solely through social media or online petitions, without expending much effort. Social media makes it easy for people to believe they are actively supporting a cause, without actually generating meaningful change. It can also disseminate misinformation.

“It’s kind of a double-edged sword,” said Maria Creamer , a Communications Officer at GFC. “Social media has the power to spark positive change but can also be used to spread misinformation.”

However, we are increasingly seeing young people translate online awareness raising to in-person activism. Twenty-nine-year-old Iih from Nepal used social media to gather youth for in-person peaceful protests against the Nepalese government’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. Iih’s social media campaigns have driven thousands of youth to the streets of Nepal’s main cities, putting pressure on the Nepalese government to enforce free COVID-related medical care and distribute accurate PCR tests. This is a powerful example of social media effecting social change and demonstrates that online engagement is a vital tool for activism today.

Partnering with Community-based Organizations for Social Change on Social Media

Around the world, GFC partners and young people in their communities are connecting via social media to call for change. For example, Coincidir , a GFC partner in Guatemala in the Empowering Adolescent Girls in Central America initiative , is engaging 75 girls and adolescents in a nationwide online campaign to advocate for policy changes to bring about more equitable technology access in rural areas so all children can participate in distance learning.

As part of its capacity development approach, GFC offers support and resources related to social media, digital video creation, and online safeguarding. In a digital world where trends are constantly changing, knowing the ins and outs of social media will remain critical to engaging young people as leaders and using social media strategically to create meaningful impacts in people’s lives.

Key Takeaways for Global Grantmakers:

• Facilitate the power of online communities: Social media is connecting young people from diverse communities like never before. As grantmakers, we can find out more about the latest trends in social media and digital activism, learning with our partners and young people. We can support training and resources that help community organizations build an online presence and base, enabling them to engage diverse audiences in advocacy.
• Encourage safety and mental health: While social media can provide safe havens for people to connect anonymously without fear of judgement, this same anonymity can place young people at risk of digital and in-person exploitation. Young people can also be targets of misinformation, and social media engagement can negatively impact young people’s mental health. Grantmakers can develop their own online safeguarding and digital security practices as well as offer resources.
• Translate online discourse into meaningful impact: Awareness about the risks and pitfalls of “armchair activism” can mobilize young people to true action, especially with opportunities for shared learning and skill building about social media engagement, relational organizing, policy change, and nonviolent action.

Header photo: With support from Coincidir, ten girls from Chimaltenango, Guatemala, traveled to Guatemala City to advocate for laws that promote free internet access in rural areas. © Coincidir

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Youth empowerment for a better society

Young people are the backbone of a society. Their participation in all aspects of society is very important. Unfortunately, we see many Iraqi youth being deprived of this. They have no or limited roles in decision-making processes or leadership programs at the local and national level.

Isolating young people, intentionally or unintentionally, especially in rural plantation areas, can contribute to drug abuse, illegal and criminal actions, depression, migration and so on. This is happening while youth are the potential group of actors for structuring the future of Iraq.

Based on a report published by International Monetary Fund (IMF) , 40% of youth are unemployed in Iraq.

Furthermore, according to the latest statistics published by Iraqi Supreme National Authority for Drug Prevention , there are up to 7,000 drug abusers, including people addicted to popping pills. Another report disseminated by the  United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention articulates that there are three addicts out of ten people between the ages 18-30. The report attributes the spread of addiction to inadequate follow-up, awareness and absence of penalty. The United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention’s estimated that after 10 years drug abuse will devastate Iraqi youth if the situation remains unchanged.

Of the young addicts  in Iraq 91.2% are detainees, 38% belong to poor families, 87.1% have only primary education or less and most live in rural plantation areas and suburbs.

My proposed mechanisms of interference to mitigate their suffering and make them positive contributors to our society are:

• Conduct training and capacity building, in areas such as leadership, advocacy, gender awareness, communication and life skills.
• Provide English language and computer skills courses in line with work requirements and modern life.
• Community awareness regarding importance of education and knowledge.
•  Sensitize parents to support their children to complete their studies and follow up, encourage and support them to achieve their dreams.
• Foster their role in society; listen to their ideas and suggestions.

Implications

Therefore, empowering, strengthening and including young people in the work environment will reduce unemployment, crime, drugs abuse. This will lead to a better society, a better country, a better world.

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Perspectives

Empowering Youth Changemakers for Climate Action

November 24, 2019

In recent years, the science has become increasingly clear: the future of our planet depends on the choices we make in the next decade. With this in mind, it is likely no coincidence that some of the most recognizable faces of today’s environmental movement have unlikely CVs—that is, if they have even launched their professional careers.

Indeed, young people are leading climate action around the world. In fact, many are already driving tangible change by recycling, reducing their consumption, supporting reforestation and demanding environmental responsibility from companies and governments.

Their voices have been instrumental in raising awareness of the need for change, and inspiring greater ambition worldwide. Recognizing the importance of empowering these young leaders, the Biennial of the Americas and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) launched the Youth Congress for Sustainable Americas (YC) .

The initiative began in 2017 with 30 young leaders from 10 countries—from Canada to Argentina—united by their determination to generate change for a sustainable planet. In just two years, the youth network has grown to include 85 delegates in 15 countries. With the goal of forming a strong network capable of driving environmental action in the region, YC delegates are spurring changes in their own communities by addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as deforestation, water pollution and waste management.

“Our vision is a world where present and future generations participate actively in environmental conservation and restoration to mitigate climate change,” said Dante Ruiz, an economist and environmentalist by trade, and delegate of the YC in Mexico. “Our mission is to become an influential network of diverse changemakers, united by our passion for sustainability to lead transformative actions across the Americas." 

While the delegates represent a wide range of expertise and approaches—including environmental law, reforestation, water management, corporate sustainability, environmental education and community development—they were all selected for their commitment, leadership and activism in the sustainability field.

“For me, sustainability means using resources mindfully, without jeopardizing their availability for future generations,” said Bambou Pittaluga, who leads the NGO Faro Limpio on the beaches of San Ignacio, Uruguay. “Through my work with Faro Limpio, we are improving waste management, cleaning beaches and public spaces, recycling and also engaging the public and private sector in these efforts."

Elise Riquier, a master’s student in an environmental policy program at the University of Denver, Colorado, USA, is promoting sustainability through a new business venture. “About five years ago, three friends and I started an event planning company with the goal of reducing plastic consumption,” said Riquier. “All our events use only edible tableware, glass or reusable cutlery. We have reduced food waste by 20 percent and implemented a program to donate excess food.”

In May and June of this year, the delegates launched a social media awareness campaign called #TheValueOfNature in five Latin American cities— Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Mexico City, Lima and São Paulo—to highlight the role of nature as a climate solution. Around 300 people participated, generating more than 1,000 social media posts with the campaign hashtag in three languages—Spanish, Portuguese and English.

According to a study by TNC scientists and partner organizations, nature can be one of our greatest allies in tackling climate change. Nature-based solutions—such as conserving and restoring forests—can help us achieve more than a third of the emission reductions needed by 2030. But despite being able to deliver over 30 percent of the climate solution, nature makes up less than one percent of the conversation, and receives less than four percent of climate financing.

Quote : Dante Ruiz

Our mission is to become an influential network of diverse changemakers, united by our passion for sustainability to lead transformative action in the Americas.

While emphasizing the role of nature as a climate solution, the YC delegates have also demonstrated a formidable entrepreneurial spirit. Jorge Bellsola Ferrer, an agronomist and founder of the Argentine company Seamos un Árbol, is working to convert traditional cemeteries into urban forests. 

“Forests are disappearing,” Bellsola said. “I hope, with this initiative, not only to improve memorial services, but to bring people closer to nature and raise awareness about stewardship and the importance of the environment.”

Mark Falcone, Vice Chair of the Biennial of the Americas a steadfast supporter of the YC, sees youth as a key part of the alliance our planet needs. "We all have a role to play: the public sector, the private sector, multilateral organizations, communities, NGOs, researchers,” Falcone said. “We must all come together to chart a sustainable path for the future of our planet."

Quote : Santiago Gowland

The creativity of young people is invaluable in the search for innovative solutions for climate change.

Santiago Gowland

“At TNC, we work to inspire and involve young people through nature and science and encourage innovation,” said Santiago Gowland, Executive Vice President for Global Innovation and Executive Director of Latin America. 

“The creativity of young people is invaluable in the search for innovative solutions for climate change," Gowland said. "Supporting the Youth Congress of the Americas represents an opportunity to reach broader audiences and disseminate knowledge across borders.”

With TNC’s technical support and funding from private companies, the YC have met on four occasions in different countries since 2017 with the goal of collaborating for regional action. In September, the 85 delegates convened in Denver, USA, to define their action plan for 2020.

Together, they decided to take on the challenge of planting a million trees across the continent, in addition to collecting a million signatures in support of the conservation of one million hectares of priority ecosystems in Argentina. This project will serve as a pilot that other countries may replicate in the future.

Through social media, digital platforms and annual conferences, delegates are building stronger networks for collaboration—including the sharing of resources, achievements and lessons learned, and amplifying the message for urgent action. And Lina, Nico, Juliana, Edna, Pierre, Isabel, Bambou, Morgan, Mariana, are just a few of the many young leaders working tirelessly to protect our planet.

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Minority Empowerment for Democracy and Pluralism in Sri Lanka

Duration: 1 February 2024 – 31 January 2026

Country: Sri Lanka

Communities: Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils, Sri Lankan Moors, Malays, Burghars, Telugus, indigenous persons, people facing caste-based discrimination, and within these communities: women, youth, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people.

What is this programme about?

The programme aims to protect human rights and democracy in Sri Lanka by achieving the full inclusion of minorities, particularly women and youth, in electoral processes. We will support Sri Lankan civil society actors in their initiatives to make political institutions and electoral practices more transparent, accountable and inclusive. This will be achieved by bringing the perspectives of minority and marginalized communities into civil society, and by supporting civil society initiatives to increase participation of minorities in electoral processes as active citizens, voters and political representatives.

We will also increase commitment from local, national and international duty-bearers to reform practices and institutions to make political processes transparent and fair. Overall, the programme will increase the capacity of minority communities (especially women and youth) to participate in politics, research and document ongoing challenges and influence policies and practices related to such challenges.

What are we doing?

• Training minority women, youths and journalists to empower them with knowledge on how they can become more politically active as voters or candidates for political office.
• Creating minority women’s networks and a minority youth network to provide a safe space to discuss shared challenges, give and receive emotional and practical support and brainstorm ways of overcoming political barriers.
• Providing participatory research training for minority women, building their advocacy skills, provide opportunities for them to engage with politicians, and strengthening their network-building activities.
• Providing minority women and youth with small grants for community-led awareness campaigns to strengthen the accountability of democratic institutions, strengthen their own advocacy capacity, or strengthen community awareness of democratic rights and processes.
• Researching and producing a report on minorities and the political process including voting, electoral systems, processes and practices before, during, and after elections and issues of equal representation.
• Producing a participatory research report on minority women, with the help of trained women or youth from target communities, focusing on the current issues facing  minority women in Sri Lanka and making recommendations for positive change.
• Developing a briefing on marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities, which identifies intersectionality issues and makes recommendations to policy makers.
• Engaging in advocacy with political parties, election commissions and international actors to ensure inclusive election processes, electoral reforms and the participation of minorities in the electoral process.

What is the context?

Sri Lanka is recognized as one of the most complex plural societies in the world, as it is home to three major ethnic groups — Sinhalese, Tamils and Moors— as well as four of the world’s main religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Since the country’s independence from Britain, minorities have been subjected to discrimination and exclusion, which led to the monstrous ethnic conflict lasting for 30 years known as the Sri Lankan Civil War. The war continues to impact majority-minority relations on the island, resulting in challenges within the constitutional, legal and policy framework of the minority rights discourse.

In Sri Lanka’s political system, institutions of democracy exist, but political exclusion of minorities is prevalent. While political parties representing minority communities, vital instruments of pluralism, are able to operate, they are fundamentally challenged by Sri Lanka’s current majoritarian politics, stemming from the long history of inter-ethnic tension still lurking beneath the democratic facade. Sinhalese Buddhist majoritarianism is increasingly threatening the state’s pluralistic democratic ideals.

The history of Sri Lanka demonstrates that violence is prevalent against election officials, minority voters, and legislators, as well as against women and youth attempting to enter the political sphere. Minorities are often disadvantaged by electoral systems and practices, such as the delimitation commission process (the process of drawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies), the absence of quotas for marginalized communities and disenfranchisement. It is crucial to guarantee the full participation of minorities, particularly women and youth, in electoral processes, as this will have a beneficial effect on minority communities in Sri Lanka.

Who are our partners?

Oxford Brooks University is one of the UK’s leading modern universities and enjoys an international reputation for teaching excellence and innovation.

Eastern Social Development Foundation was founded in order to assist weak and disadvantaged women in exercising their fundamental rights and addressing their needs for sustainable development by a group of social activists in 2010 as a rights and women-based Civil Society organization. In the aftermath of the war in Eastern Province, the Eastern Social Development Foundation has been assisting individuals in need who are vulnerable women and minority communities across the nation who have experienced gender-based violence and other types of community violence.

Human Development Organization (HDO) is a non-governmental, non-profit making and non-racial national human rights organization that works with underprivileged and marginalized communities in the plantation and rural areas of Sri Lanka. The mission of HDO consists of the ‘‘Establishment of a socially just, equitable and peaceful civil society through poverty eradication and sustainable development’’. For the last 22 years the organization has developed appropriate strategies, methodologies and approaches to challenge the human rights and development issues among the target groups, and in the region and the country.

Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum (SDJF) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit and national level organization. SDJF is an action based and learning organization having a dedicated staff and over 500 trained volunteers, young journalists and civil society members across the country to foster vibrant democracy and to reduce voice poverty of excluded and marginalized communities. They do this by advocating, capacity building, mentoring, stewardship, internship, volunteering and community initiatives.

Who is funding this programme?

This programme is funded by the European Union.

Featured image: A Sri Lankan Tamil Woman Shows her inked finger outside a polling station after casting her vote during a presidential election in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 16 November 2019. Credit: Jayawardana/NurPhoto SRL/Alamy Stock Photo.

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