Use the guiding questions below to reflect, respond, and help shape the global youth agenda.

- What do you think young people are prioritizing today?
- What barriers do you think hold young people back from reaching their full potential, even when it’s well-intentioned or seen as “just the way things are”?

- Imagine a future where the barriers young people face today have been removed or transformed. What is life like for young people in your community?
- In this future, how do people of all generations care for and support each other? What is different about how your community makes sure every young person can learn, stay healthy, and feel well, no matter the challenges they face?

- What ideas, innovations, or changes are already starting now that could bring us closer to the future you just imagined? These could be things you’ve experienced, seen, heard, or dreamed about. They could be led by youth, intergenerational collaborations, communities, governments, or organizations — anything that feels like a step toward that better future.
- What is one thing we can do today to help those ideas grow and succeed so they truly lead to better futures for everyone? Think about what young people, communities, governments, or the UN could do to support them.
Comments (155)
🌍 SparkBlue #YouthLead Dialogue Wrap-Up 🌍
Over the past weeks, this conversation has shown the power of young people’s voices in shaping a more just and sustainable world. Across different regions and experiences, common themes have emerged loud and clear:
✨ To everyone who contributed - thank you. Your reflections, honesty, and vision are not only shaping this important conversation but also feeding into the synthesis that will be shared with world leaders at the 80th UN General Assembly and the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth this September. The outcome document will also be made available on the UN Youth Office's website and here on Sparkblue.
This dialogue may be closing, but the movement continues. Let’s carry forward the momentum, amplify these insights, and keep building the better future we’ve imagined - together. 💡🌱
With gratitude,
The Moderation Team
Hi everyone! A warm welcome to this #YouthLead Dialogues – Online Space on SparkBlue! My name is Kiri, and I’ll be your moderator for this first week, alongside my co-moderator Bianca from the UN Youth Office. We're so glad you’re here and can’t wait to hear your thoughts, experiences, and ideas in response to the questions above.
📝 Feel free to reply in whatever order works best for you - just remember to mention the number of the question you're responding to in your comment.
🌎 It would be great if you could also introduce yourself and share where you’re joining from - we’re building a global conversation, and every voice counts!
🌐 You can participate in any language you prefer! Simply click the language button at the top right of the page - the platform will translate automatically so we can all follow along.
📣 Your contributions will feed into a global summary report that will be shared with world leaders at the 80th UN General Assembly this September. This online space is a chance for you to contribute to shaping the conversation on a global stage!
We’re looking forward to an inspiring and inclusive discussion this week. Let’s get started!
I'm Arthur Ssekajja, a high-school student and advocate of Gender equality and Quality Education from Uganda, East Africa. Victim of injustices resulting from stereotypes.
Question 1.1
I think young people are prioritizing education and they're committed to pursue their goal.
Question 1.2
With reference to Sub-Saharan countries like Uganda,I think hair restrictions in schools hold back students from reaching their full potential as they lower students' esteem and self acceptance. 0.5cm requirement is ridiculous for students of all gender. Surprisingly these restrictions only target indigenous African students as all other races are allowed to keep their hair in these same schools.
Question 2.1
Removal or transformation of hair restrictions in schools will be miraculous and won't only raise self esteem among students but also self acceptance and create a better environment for indigenous African students because apparently in some schools braids are allowed yet "Afros" or long natural African hair isn't hence forcing Africans to try to look like other races, abandoning their unique hair texture.
Question 2.2
This will curb down the increasing 'hatred' from African students towards other races resulting from them being exempted from the same restrictions which is considered an element of racial superiority. Additionally, it will help us rewrite history and bring to an end of the stigma around African natural hair from the older generation which was overwhelmed and today embraces braids and wigs over African natural hair.
Question 3.1
Legal action has been taken by a few students across the continent like in Ghana where the court ruled in favor of a young boy with dreadlocks to be admitted by a school.
N.B We are not after dreadlocks but rather abolition of the required ridiculous 0.5cm for Indigenous Africans yet other races are exempted in the same schools and so keep their hair without any restrictions.
Different personalities have come out via social media to advocate for change and also fight the stigma around African natural hair.
Question 3.2
Since these oppressive restrictions are justified neither by religion nor culture, but probably stereotypes we still stand a chance to scrap them off. And this can be done by supporting organizations which sensitize the people to bring down the stereotypes and also push petitions that might bring change and an end to the systematattack guised as a regulation. Echoing of the voices by social media handles of International organizations to fight stereotypes is also a crucial step towards the better future we hope for.
Below is a document i received from the school authorities for growing 1cm long hair in the same school where students of all other races are allowed to keep their hair with no restrictions on length.
Hi all, my name is Mishel Rafiq and l am a Pakistani British citizen who aims to become an international human rights lawyer. I hope together we can inspire change and uplift voices too often silenced.
1.2) Young people are constantly disregarded by today's political system. We have unique beliefs and voices and hope, however, when we look at the United Nations today it seems toothless, like all bark and no bite. I truly believe this is because the UN itself has stated that this past month of July, Israel has killed one Palestinian every 12 minutes and yet there has been zero actions to stop these atrocities. So, what does this mean for young people across the globe? We lose hope in the very organisation we are supposed to trust. We lose hope in the organisation that advocates for human rights. We lose hope.
That is dangerous, and cruel especially for people like me who want to join the UN and support all it stands for until the hypocrisy is exposed.
2.1) Young people have hope that they can make a change in the world and that their voices are not only heard but empowered. A future where each individual is given the right to express themselves without fear and no innocent child is killed simply for the colour of their skin or their faith. I envisage a world of clear skies and oceans and bright futures. This can only be possible through education, the UN, and the people. We nee young people speaking out and seeing the change. Where no innocent child is killed simply for the colour of their skin or their faith. I envisage a world of clear skies and oceans and bright futures. This can only be possible through education, the UN, and the people. We nee young people speaking out and seeing politics not as 'distant' but ever so present in their lives. From waking up in the morning, to sleeping at night -we are living in a political climate that is unstable and requires our voices and our attention.
To end, thank you for this opportunity. I hope this is of some benefit and can be one of the first steps towards achieving a flourishing future where no child is left hungry, and every person is given to chance to pursue an education and be empowered. The UN has this unique power and responsibility to serve the people, so let's see real change. Let's start it, now.
- Mishel Rafiq
Thank you for laying it out so clearly, Kiri! Excited about the conversations we will have this week 🤗
2.1. In a future where today’s barriers are gone, young people in Lebanon are finally free to build the lives they dream of. They have access to quality education, decent jobs, and the support they need to stay and thrive. Their voices matter, their ideas lead change, and they no longer have to choose between their country and their future.
Great news to hear people in Lebanon are building their lives ....However what kind of education are they applying merit or justice based education ?
1. Young people are prioritizing on climate action, jobs, skill development, entrepreneur and peaceful world.
The thing that is holding them back is the unequal opportunities to develop themselves. Some youth have access to all opportunities but some don't have access to any. This results in some moving forward whereas others lagging behind.
Strongly agreeing with what you have written ....
however...A few questions to ask :
If given equal opportunities ,will the young misuse it ?
What do you think are the 3 most priorities for the youth ?
Do you feel you have equal opportunities compared to other young people in your community ?
Thank you, Eliane El Haber and R.Valli Divya , for your thoughtful responses! I noticed strong connections between your answers—particularly the challenge of limited opportunities and skills, which Divya highlighted as a current barrier and which Eliane envisions as having been overcome in her ideal future.
Looking ahead, what ideas, innovations, or changes do you see emerging today that could help bring us closer to that future? Do you know of any promising initiatives already helping to address this particular barrier?
1.1. Many young people are held back by the idea that they're too young to make a difference. Adults often make decisions for us instead of with us. Even when it's well-meaning, it stops our growth. In many places, youth don’t get access to real opportunities, training, or a platform to speak up. We’re expected to follow rules quietly instead of leading change. The biggest barrier is not lack of talent — it’s lack of trust. We need space to express, fail, learn, and lead without being underestimated.
Valid point, I agree with you...
I believe that as youth, we must learn to stand up and speak out. At some point, we need to stand firm and make our voices heard. If adults continue making all the decisions for us, then we are left with no space to grow, learn, or discover our own potential. After all, life itself is about facing setbacks, gaining experiences, and using them to become stronger.
Hi everyone, I'm Iniya!
1.1) I think now more than ever, young people are prioritizing the future. Especially in today's geopolitical landscape and climate realities, also with the advent of AI, many young people are trying their hardest to plan for what the future will look like for them when they are at the age they start living their full adult lives. They are doing their best to plan and work, but are unsure about what the world will actually look like then.
1.2) To be honest, many barriers face young people and some of the largest come from other people. But one of the most important, and often overlooked, barriers would be themselves. This is very much unintentional, but for many young people it's very easy to stay within the boundaries of what they know, and that includes their own known limits. But it is only by ignoring the thoughts of this is “just the way things are” and "I'm not very good at that anyways" can true growth be achieved. Empowering young people to believe more in themselves and their ideas can break these self-imposed barriers.
“Absolutely, I see your point and agree.” but, I want to know what kind of challenges youth are facing is it internal or external challenges
2.1) Hello everyone, I am Abhishek, and I will speak from the Indian perspective, having worked extensively here across the national and state levels.
In a future where the existing barriers are no more, Dalit and Muslim youth no longer grow up being told their ambitions are too large for their social location. They are lawyers, engineers, filmmakers, elected leaders—not exceptions, but examples. Today, less than 5% of faculty positions in Indian universities are held by Dalits and only 2.3% by Muslims. That future rewrites these numbers: representation is no longer token, it's a norm.
If you are a person from a marginalized community, you no longer have to change your name on a résumé to get called for an interview. Employment is not rigged by inherited networks. As of 2022, 42.7% of Dalits and 47% of Muslims aged 15–29 are not in education, employment, or training. But in this future, those numbers have dropped dramatically because state policy finally centered justice. Skill development is community-rooted. Public institutions actively dismantle exclusion, not reproduce it.
Policing is transformed too. Muslim youth are no longer over-surveilled or falsely criminalized. In 2021, 35% of undertrial prisoners in India were Muslims—despite being just 14% of the population. But in this future, the criminal justice system is transparent, fair, and accountable. Young people feel safe in the streets, in courtrooms, and online.
But this wasn’t inevitable. It was organized. Young people formed reading circles, led digital campaigns, filed RTIs, contested panchayat elections. Dalit women and Muslim girls—who face the sharpest end of these barriers—became central to change. No voice was backgrounded.
This future is not utopia. It is an actionable strategy, built step-by-step. It begins now—with investment in schools, affirmative action in tech, community Wi-Fi in rural bastis, and youth councils that are constituted in a way that equitably represents India's diverse demography.
Absolutely, I see your point however I have a question ...
As of 2022, 42.7% of Dalits and 47% of Muslims aged 15–29 are not in education, employment, or training. But in this future, those numbers have dropped dramatically because state policy finally centered justice. Are this statistics according to India or worldwide ?
Young people feel safe in the streets, in courtrooms, and online. I agree with courtrooms and online but streets ....isnt that dangerous ?
Hello everyone, this is Anas Chahi from morroco, vice president in AIESEC Tangier morroco, and part of youngo energy team, in today's century, morocco is still lacking a liberating bridge between the potential of morrocan youths, and the oppurtunities that they can take, today the yout community in Morocco is witnessing a great development but still isn't enough, if we could create a belief in our community it will flourish 🙏, thank you everyone
And free Palestine, in this subject also, I am eager to find a way just to help Palestinians, it's part of our empowerment, belief, and value, I can't stand here without doing any action, the brutality must end, the humanitarian aid must be delivered, and each serial killer from Israel must be take into accountability according to the international law,
I may see a hope in the sky, that this land will be back to the ones who belongs to it 🇵🇸
Hello everyone!
My name is Sumedh Sonavane, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Industrial Management and Innovation in Germany, as part of an international double-degree programme. I had the honour of being selected as a panelist for the European Student Assembly 2025 (ESA25), where I recently had the opportunity to speak at the European Parliament in Strasbourg an experience that deepened my commitment to international youth engagement, mental health advocacy, and inclusive policymaking.
It’s a pleasure to join this vibrant space and contribute to the #YouthLead Dialogues.
1. Today’s Realities: What We Are Living With
Young people around the world are urgently prioritizing mental health, climate action, access to education, and digital inclusion. However, systemic barriers persist ranging from limited representation in decision-making spaces to inequitable access to mental health support and professional development. Despite numerous youth-focused policies, there is often a disconnect between policy frameworks and the lived experiences of diverse youth communities. Addressing this gap is critical.
2. The Future We Want: A World That Works for Young People
I envision a future where young people are not only consulted but empowered as decision-makers driving solutions in education, sustainability, health, and governance. In this future, intergenerational solidarity replaces hierarchy, and inclusive systems are built to ensure every young person feels safe, seen, and supported. Whether it’s in a rural village or a digital innovation hub, every youth should have the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.
3. Seeds of Change: What Is Starting to Shift
Change is already in motion. Platforms like the European Student Assembly (ESA), the European Youth Event (EYE), the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), and grassroots mental health advocacy movements are reshaping civic engagement. These youth-led initiatives are demonstrating how collaboration across borders, digital storytelling, and local leadership can create tangible impact. What we now need is for institutions from the UN to national governments to meaningfully invest in youth leadership pipelines, inclusive policies, and sustainable platforms for participation.
I believe we are not just the future we are the present, shaping policy, perception, and progress. I look forward to engaging with you all in this global conversation!
Thank you, Sumedh, for sharing your reflections! Your experience with ESA25 and your advocacy for mental health and inclusive policymaking are truly inspiring.
I really appreciate your point about the gap between policy and lived experience - and your vision of intergenerational solidarity and empowered youth leadership is spot on.
The initiatives you mentioned are great examples of seeds of change already taking root. I’d love to hear: what’s one action you think the UN or governments could take today to help these efforts grow?
Kiri Ginnerup, Thank you so much madam for your kind words and encouragement it truly means a lot.
One action I believe the UN or governments could take today is to institutionalize youth advisory councils across all levels of agrifood and sustainability policymaking not just as symbolic representation, but as empowered co-creators in decision making. These councils should be diverse, intersectional, and well resourced, with clear pathways to influence national and international strategies.
By investing in youth led implementation projects and ensuring regular dialogue between generations we can turn policy frameworks into living local impact. I would be happy to exchange more ideas or even contribute to building such platforms together.
Thank you so much everyone for sharing your reflections! Your insights on the current realities and barriers facing young people - as well as the futures you envision - are truly valuable.
While you can focus on whichever question(s) you want, I’m also curious - do any of you have ideas in response to the third set of questions? 🌱
We’d love to hear about any seeds of change you’ve seen, heard, or even dreamed about - whether they’re youth-led, intergenerational, community-driven, or supported by governments or organizations.
And what’s one thing we could do today to help those ideas grow? What role can young people, communities, the UN, or governments play in supporting them?
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Hi Kiri, I did reply to the third set of questions in my answer above. I hope it helps!
Hi everyone,
3.1) Some changes that could bring us closer would be a way a to bridge the gap between generations. For youth to have a powerful voice in helping to shape the world they are a part of, something must be done to raise them up to the level they need to share their voices. And I believe this change begins in communities, especially rural areas where the age gap is seen as a clear division. One thing I wish would be implemented is more opportunities for youth leaders, people who could demonstrate how young people can add to the movement of change.
For ideas and innovations, I think social media could potentially be a great way to do this. Many young people are connected to this growing online network, and utilizing social media as more than a platform for entertainment, but rather as a space to raise ideas for change, could do this. Linking more opportunities, creating more discussions, and giving youth a place to share their dreams for the future in a way that allows these ideas to spread worldwide could be a powerful step towards a brighter future.
Young people today are prioritizing purpose, equity, mental well-being, and climate justice. They want to live in systems that reflect their values, not just survive in ones that exploit them.
But they're held back by outdated hierarchies, tokenism, and inaccessible structures disguised as tradition. When "the way things are" silences new ideas, it kills momentum. What's needed is not just space—but power shared, barriers removed, and trust earned.
In the future I imagine, young people are not seen as “future leaders” but as co-creators of the present. They grow up in communities that center care over control, access over exclusion. Schools teach empathy alongside science. Health systems adapt to every body and mind. And every young person, regardless of disability, background, or identity, is trusted to shape solutions—not just react to problems.
Across generations, people share knowledge, not power imbalances. Elders are listeners, not gatekeepers. Youth offer innovation; elders offer perspective. Together, they build ecosystems of support—shared meals, shared childcare, community healing spaces.
We’re already seeing this shift. Youth-led mental health circles, intergenerational climate collectives, disability-inclusive design labs, and mutual aid networks are sprouting across continents. They prove we don’t need to wait for permission to begin.
To make these grow, we need resourcing that trusts communities—especially youth—to lead. Let funding be flexible. Let power be shared. Let imagination guide the path forward.
As a student of computer science, I'm Anwar Abdulwahab Hassan. I envision a future where barriers to opportunities have been removed, and young people thrive. In my community, every individual has access to quality education, healthcare, and resources to reach their full potential.
People of all generations support each other through mentorship programs, community initiatives, and intergenerational dialogue. Elders share wisdom, while youth bring innovative ideas, fostering a culture of mutual respect.
The community prioritizes young people's well-being through:
- Personalized education and skill-building opportunities
- Comprehensive healthcare and mental wellness support
- Safe spaces for socialization and community engagement
This future is built on collaboration, empathy, and a shared commitment to the well-being of all members. By leveraging technology and collective efforts, we can create a brighter, more equitable world where every young person can learn, stay healthy, and feel valued, regardless of their background or challenges.
Hello everyone I'm Nelly from Ivory Coast , I'm currently pushing a Master's in International Relations in the United States.I have had the honor of taking part in several international programs and conferences relating to the implementation of youth policies in the UN and UNITAR.Many young people today are driven by purpose, values, and the urgent realities of the world around them. Today’s generation of young people is not just growing up—they’re rising up. Across continents and cultures, young people are prioritizing authenticity, purpose, justice, and healing.We are choosing to speak up for our mental health, to protect the planet, to redefine gender and identity, and to challenge old systems that no longer serve us. Many of us are turning away from traditional paths to create our own—with entrepreneurship, creativity, and activism becoming part of who we are.But even as we dream big, we face invisible walls.Sometimes these walls are economic—poverty, lack of opportunity, or unstable environments. Other times, they’re cultural—unspoken expectations, pressure to conform, or being told “that’s just how things are.” Some of us are silenced by mental health stigma, others by education systems that value memorization over meaning. And too often, we are invited into the room but not given a real seat at the table.ven well-intentioned barriers can be deeply limiting. When people say “you’re too young,” or “wait your turn,” they may not realize they are dimming the light of someone ready to shine. When young voices are only heard for decoration, and not for transformation, change is delayed.But despite it all we rise.We are not asking for permission.We are asking for trust, for opportunity, and for room to lead.Because when young people are supported, heard, and empowered, we don’t just imagine a better future—we build it.
I’m feeling incredibly inspired by all your thoughtful responses—thank you so much for sharing such valuable perspectives! 🙏
It’s powerful to see the theme of shifting mindsets and social norms emerge so clearly in this conversation. I couldn’t agree more: achieving true intergenerational solidarity and ensuring meaningful youth engagement requires rethinking how we perceive the roles of different generations in society.
This #YouthLead Dialogue is just one of many ways young people are shaping the conversation ahead of the high-level meeting on 25 September, which will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth.
The theme of the meeting is: “Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration.”
So, let’s return to this powerful idea of shifting mindsets and social norms: What is one thing we can do today to help those ideas grow and succeed so they truly lead to better futures for everyone? (3.2)
Think about what young people, communities, governments, or the UN could do to support them.
3.2) Hello everyone! I am Avni from India, I’m a school student, so hopping am not too young to participate here :). However, I feel I will be able to bring perspectives and my personal anecdotes which could make this discussion more meaningful. Centering back to the question, what I truly feel is firstly the youth is full of ideas, thoughts etc. What restricts those ideas is the recognition and the lack of support. The youth perhaps could greatly benefit from a forum wherein one and other could exchange those ideas, build up on the existing ideas. This forum could be overlooked by the UN. Hence, the UN can easily pickup on the best ideas which help in building a more sustainable future for everyone! To increase the outreach of this forum the united nations could spread awareness at school and college level by reaching out the the heads, creating social media accounts if in case one wants ti get in direct contact. The lack of support truly restricts the good ideas from emerging and getting the true recognition they deserve, The UN could help them greatly through the use of the forum. Hope I wasn’t too unrealistic with this response! Looking forward to more fruitful discussions :)
Hi Anvi,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful input!
First of all, you are never too young to have a say in shaping the decisions that impact your life and future ❤️
Your idea of the UN fostering a forum for dialogue and exchange isn’t unrealistic at all — in fact, it’s an excellent idea!
At the United Nations Youth Office, we share this belief: bringing people together and connecting different processes and spaces is a powerful driver of change. That’s exactly why we created the UN Youth Compass.
This flagship initiative helps young people navigate and shape policymaking and decision-making spaces, while also driving institutional change to ensure those spaces are more inclusive, diverse, and effective.
Under the UN Youth Compass umbrella, we’ll be hosting the #YouthLead Festival this September. In the lead-up to the festival, we’re gathering perspectives from young people through #YouthLead Dialogues — including this online one! 🙏
As you mentioned, raising awareness within communities and linking local conversations with global decision-making is crucial. To support this, we’ve developed a guidance note for anyone interested in hosting a #YouthLead Dialogue.
The focus questions are the same as the ones we’re exploring together in this online space.
If you or anyone else would like to host a dialogue in your school or college, you are more than welcome to do so!
Just be sure to share the key takeaways with us by 17 August 2025 using this form 🫶
Bianca Herzog Hi Bianca, firstly thank you so much for being a great moderator - the words of motivation truly make this discussion more meaningful. I would definitely pitch the idea o hosting the UN dialogue summit at my school, because at the end of the day awareness is the crux of the whole business! Furthermore, I would encourage other high schools in my locality to host more UN youth events to ensure each and every voice is heard. Thank you once again for moderating this discussion so well, kudos to the entire team 🤗
Bianca Herzog
Even though I have replied to this question earlier, I just want to share something.
I know my next question might be slightly off-topic, but could we create a WhatsApp group for all of us to share our opinions? I would really love to participate, share my thoughts, and learn from others as we grow together.
Regarding the question you asked, I strongly believe that young people should be active in platforms like parliaments or youth councils, speak out loudly, and raise awareness about crises faced worldwide.
Hi everyone, I’m Nahjae. I’m Jamaican and currently joining from the UK. It’s really great to be part of this space, and I’ve been genuinely enjoying reading through everyone’s reflections. Thank you all for sharing so openly.
(1) What do you think young people are prioritising today?
Across the world, young people are urgently focused on survival with dignity. That includes climate justice, equitable access to education, mental health support, decent work, and the right to shape decisions that affect our futures. But it’s not just about reforming what exists. A lot of us are thinking more boldly; asking what it would mean to completely reimagine the systems we’ve inherited. We’re not just calling for inclusion in yesterday’s institutions, we’re imagining futures rooted in justice, care, and intergenerational reciprocity.
(2) What barriers hold young people back, even when they’re well-intentioned or seen as just the way things are?
We’re often told to wait our turn, as if justice is something that can only be given out in stages. Structural ageism, tokenistic forms of youth engagement, and underinvestment in youth-led initiatives all limit our potential. Even in progressive spaces, youth are often invited after decisions are already made or asked to participate without any real power. And the marginalisation of young people in rural communities, conflict zones, or informal economies often goes unseen, even when inclusion is the stated goal.
(3.2) What is one thing we can do today to help those ideas grow and lead to better futures for everyone?
One thing we can do - and need to do - is move beyond symbolic gestures and actually redesign how decisions get made. If we’re serious about intergenerational solidarity, we have to embed shared power into the architecture of our institutions. That means long-term investment in youth-led bodies, it means building governance models where young people aren’t just consulted but have real authority, and it means creating cultures where intergenerational co-leadership feels natural, not novel. Shifting mindsets starts with shifting the systems that shape them.
Really looking forward to learning more from all of you :)
Hello everyone,
One specific, targeted, change we can enact begins through schools and universities. I think youth could benefit by creating a low-cost, easy to implement, group at their school/university that addresses these issues by collaborating with the greater community. This could happen by partnering with local businesses, finding ways to represent youth voices at school board meetings and town meetings, and creating opportunities for student leadership. This can increase the level of intergenerational collaboration by creating a specific outlet for communication. This ties back into ways that shifting mindsets and social norms can occur. I think a network of youth groups at these various schools and universities could be a great way to begin the change, and give youth a chance to be heard. For change to happen, it needs communication, and this could facilitate that.
Hello, I am Aya, Junior Civil and Environmental Engineer from Kurdistan Region of Iraq, I am happy to be here and have many points to share with you all before answering the questions, and some are below:
1. Data collection and research on climate evidence by youth.
2. Develop funding for youth org, because youth are doing a lot without finance so imagine what they can do if they have it!
3. Bringing the future into parliamentary work, including youth.
4. Creating digital literacy and infrastructure.
5. There should youth advisory committees, initiative by government for regional countries.
6. Including youth in diplomacy, and open the space for them to lead their future, as they are one of the big parts of the world.
7. Youth must always be supported invested, and encouraged to start actions, generate innovative ideas, and implement the Sustainable development goals (SDGs).
I am answering the 2.1 question:
For me the life in community is now moving much and much better than before for youth support, and this because a great and right leader in my community, as really I am seeing now youth are more supported and invested to help in government works, Organization works and so on, as one example I will talk about my self I was a sophomore student when I started to work with our governor in the administration, I had lead and managed many high level events, generated and brought new ideas, I was responsible for a team and organized staffs and much more, so this was something that shocked people as how youth can do these staffs and work with the governor, but because of believing in me, my knowledge, my responsibilities and working that I am doing it for a goal, they put me as a youth as a priority, so this opened the opportunities to all other youth in my community so that they also believe in them and the energy they have toward their community and world.
So this a real example about me and we can say that the barrier of not believing in us and our skills has been removed in my community for any youth who care, have sense of responsibility, have energy, have knowledge, and work seriously, so youth have the full energy to do a lot with decision makers and leaders to build green, and sustainable world, please continue to believe in us, and support.
Hello everyone! My name is Isabela Espindola and I am the focal point for the Young Water Professionals Community at the International Water Association (IWA). Feel free to connect with me here: https://linktr.ee/ibespindola
Now, for the questions, please, see my replies below:
1. What do you think young people are prioritizing today?
Today’s young people are prioritizing climate action, social justice, meaningful employment, mental health, and inclusive decision-making. In the water sector, many Young Water Professionals are deeply committed to accelerating progress on SDG 6, advancing climate-resilient infrastructure, and promoting equity and access to safe water and sanitation. They are also increasingly focused on influencing policy, co-creating solutions, and ensuring that marginalised voices are heard.
2. What barriers do you think hold young people back from reaching their full potential, even when it’s well-intentioned or seen as “just the way things are”?
Despite their energy and vision, young people often face systemic barriers, including:
These barriers are often maintained under the guise of tradition, hierarchy, or a perceived lack of capacity — despite strong evidence to the contrary.
3. Imagine a future where the barriers young people face today have been removed or transformed. What is life like for young people in your community?
In this future, young people are seen as co-leaders, innovators, and trusted agents of change. Their contributions are valued across all sectors. They have:
4. In this future, how do people of all generations care for and support each other? What is different about how your community makes sure every young person can learn, stay healthy, and feel well, no matter the challenges they face?
This future is grounded in intergenerational solidarity. Older generations mentor, listen, and co-create with youth, while young people bring fresh ideas and lead with courage. Communities design policies and services that are:
Young people are included in decision-making bodies, school curricula reflect real-world issues like climate and water security, and there are robust community networks that ensure no one is left behind.
5. What ideas, innovations, or changes are already starting now that could bring us closer to the future you just imagined?
We’re already seeing hopeful signs:
6. What is one thing we can do today to help those ideas grow and succeed so they truly lead to better futures for everyone?
We must move from inclusion to shared leadership — and invest accordingly. One concrete step is for institutions, including the UN and governments, to fund and scale long-term youth-led initiatives in the water and climate space. This includes:
Young people don’t just need a seat at the table — they need resources, influence, and trust to build the table anew.
Thanks everyone for these thoughtful reflections. A clear thread is emerging - young people have bold, transformative ideas but often face barriers like lack of recognition, limited support, and tokenistic engagement. What you're calling for isn’t just a seat at the table, but platforms that are built with youth from the start, intergenerational collaboration, and long-term investment in youth-led spaces - whether that’s through schools/universities, communities, or global institutions.
This #YouthLead Dialogue is just one of many ways young people are shaping the conversation ahead of the 25 September high-level meeting on the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, focused on “Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration.”
✨ If you’re just joining us - welcome, and please do jump in and add your voice!
Scroll through, add your thoughts (you can also comment directly on each other's ideas to build on them), and be part of the conversation. Your voice matters.
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I couldn't agree more, Kiri! 🤗
What a rich conversation! 💬
We have people joining from Lebanon, India, Tunisia, Jamaica, UK, Ivory Coast, and many other places!
When you participate, don't forget to introduce yourself and share where you’re joining from- we would love to capture the diversity of perspectives in this online dialogue! 🌍️
Proposal: Integrating TOBETAC into Youth-Led Global Dialogues
As an active youth leader from Türkiye, I would like to propose a model that could enrich and scale the type of intergenerational collaboration and youth-led engagement this dialogue calls for.
TOBETAC ( TO BE Take Action for Crises) is a youth-designed initiative we founded to go beyond traditional debate formats. Instead of simply discussing problems, TOBETAC invites young people to propose actionable, community-based solutions — and to present them through a platform that combines public dialogue with real-world impact.
What makes TOBETAC different?
It’s debate reimagined: young people collaborate across diverse backgrounds to turn discussion into direct action.
It links youth voices to measurable outcomes in communities, especially in areas where youth participation is often overlooked.
It bridges schools, civil society, and local governments through youth-led "What If?" projects that explore alternative futures — and then build toward them.
It is not speech focused like other debates. "What If?" debates focuses on global issues and encourages teens to figure out with simple solutions that can change everones lifes.
Why propose this to you, the moderators of this global dialogue?
Because TOBETAC could serve as a scalable model for youth-led engagement aligned with the spirit of the World Programme of Action for Youth. It’s built by youth, for youth, but designed for intergenerational inclusion and institutional collaboration.
My proposal:
Would the organizing team of this #YouthLead Dialogue consider including TOBETAC as a pilot partner or featured model in upcoming events — such as the 25 September high-level meeting? We’d love to collaborate on adapting TOBETAC’s youth-led model for different regions and contexts, possibly in partnership with UN agencies or civil society networks.
We believe TOBETAC’s approach could help bring more young people into these conversations — not just to speak, but to lead and implement.
I’d be honored to discuss this further with anyone from the organizing team or interested partners.
Thank you so much for your ideas, Ceren! Your thoughts and reflections are incredibly valuable, and I particularly resonate with your point on the importance of intergenerational dialogue and youth storytelling.
I was curious – what sorts of topics do you envision youth discussing under this framework? What areas are especially missing youth input?
Maddy Corson
Thank you so much again for your thoughtful response — it means a lot that you're open to hearing more about TOBETAC and how we hope to grow it.
TOBETAC is built around a simple but powerful method we call the “What If?” system — a youth-led model that helps participants move from global awareness to local action. Instead of just talking about problems, they ask: What if we could change this — and how would we do it?
They then design and present real solutions, which are shared through our interactive panel format, where both peers and a jury vote based on potential impact. This turns dialogue into real engagement and with fundraiser votes, implementation.
To make the SDGs more accessible, we designed the Elements of Sustainability which has colors of SDGs a table inspired by the periodic table, where each box represents a global goal or subgoal. It helps young people connect their ideas to global targets in a way that’s visual, structured, and memorable.
We’ve reflected this same logic in our pixel-art-based website: each square is unlocked when a SDG mission is completed, gradually revealing a full picture which is only made of SDGs colors— symbolizing how small steps lead to meaningful change.
We’d love to explore how this model could be adapted globally or integrated into upcoming dialogues.
Dear Ceren,
Thank you for your reply! This sounds like a very interesting platform in which to conduct youth dialogue. I'm interested more specifically in which sorts of ideas you envision being discussed here. What are some issue areas that you think merit more youth voice, inclusion, and leadership?
Maddy Corson
I believe that from quality education to partnerships for the goals, every young person encounters pressing issues within the frameworks of their own interests. For example, many young women—including myself—face serious challenges in participating equally in professional and social life due to systemic disadvantages. Witnessing these problems firsthand makes us more sensitive to them and pushes us to seek solutions. That’s why we aim to respond to these issues collectively, with support from all stakeholders. Especially in our country, there is a lack of platforms that amplify youth voices and unify them around shared goals. Most youth-led solutions are limited to project competitions, which often fall short of lasting impact. We aim to go beyond that—addressing global problems holistically and offering inclusive, youth-driven responses.
It's great to be connected with partners
Hi! I’m Lazi from India. I recently completed my Masters in Astrobiology and Space science. Nice to be here among you all.
1:
Question 1)
I think young people today are really prioritising authenticity and well-being. From my perspective and experience young people are not just chasing traditional definitions of success anymore we care about living lives that feel real and meaningful. A lot of us are choosing purpose over pressure, and mental health over burnout. Whether it’s through the work we do, the causes we care about, or how we take care of ourselves. I see a strong shift toward wanting to live with intention, not just survival. For us and for the world.
Question 2)
One of the biggest barriers is being expected to follow systems that don’t reflect who we are anymore. There’s a lot of pressure to fit into boxes whether it’s career expectations, academic paths, or cultural norms, and when we try to step out, we’re often met with fear or judgment, even from people who care about us. Sometimes the limitation comes from within too we internalise that fear and start doubting our own ideas and dreams. So even when the intentions are good, it can make us feel like we have to choose between being true to ourselves and being accepted. That tension can really hold us back. Speaking from my own experiences and what I have observed in most people around me.
We, the youth, are prioritizing justice. Not just climate justice, but economic, racial, digital, and intergenerational justice. We see these struggles as deeply interconnected — part of a collective demand for dignity, equity, and the right to shape a livable future. We are calling for mental health, education that prepares us for real-world challenges, safe digital spaces, and meaningful seats at the decision-making table. We are not asking for inclusion — we are demanding co-leadership.
Saludos a todas y todos los presentes, me llamo César Poblano, estudiante de Relaciones Internacionales en México y Socio Fundador del Centro Académico de Relaciones Internacionales Espacio Global, un Think Tank.
1.1 ¿Qué cree usted que priorizan los jóvenes hoy en día?
Las juventudes, como actor internacional, tienen la potencialidad de generar grandes cambios en las diferentes sociedades del mundo. Ya sea en temas de gobernanza ambiental, igualdad y género, educación, innovación y desarrollo, nuevas tecnologías, interculturalidad, cooperación internacional, entre otros. La verdad es que en este año, 2025, las juventudes son capaces de influir en el sistema internacional dando a conocer sus perspectivas y soluciones ante los problemas más complejos, inclusive en situaciones de incertidumbre. Su voz o mensaje en conjunto suena ante otros actores internacionales y recalca la necesidad de cooperar a nivel global para lograr la tan anhelada paz y seguridad internacional.
1.2 ¿Qué barreras cree usted que impiden que los jóvenes alcancen su máximo potencial, incluso cuando tienen buenas intenciones o lo consideran “como es natural”?
Creo que puede depender de la región, todas tienen sus características. Es decir, puede influir la sociedad, la educación, la economía, la política, la cultura u otros factores que impiden el desarrollo completo de varias generaciones de jóvenes.
Sin embargo, creo que las políticas públicas de los Estados aveces no son suficientes para que las juventudes puedan alcanzar sus objetivos. Se requiere de mayores esfuerzos para crear los espacios necesarios con condiciones optimas para un buen desarrollo y así puedan ser escuchados. Ademas, se deben incluir esas mismas ideas en los agendas nacionales de cada Estado sin politizarlas.
2.1 Imagina un futuro donde las barreras que enfrentan los jóvenes hoy se hayan eliminado o transformado. ¿Cómo es la vida de los jóvenes en tu comunidad?
Sería más abierta a ideas llenas de innovación, cultura y desarrollo. El eje central estaría en la cooperación de todos los actores, tanto nacionales como internacionales. Las propuestas como posibles soluciones serían más empáticas.
2.2 En este futuro, ¿cómo se cuidan y apoyan mutuamente las personas de todas las generaciones? ¿Qué diferencia a la hora de garantizar que cada joven pueda aprender, mantenerse sano y sentirse bien en su comunidad, independientemente de los desafíos que enfrente?
Creo que podría destacar la solidaridad internacional. Por ejemplo, en redes sociales, además de tener presencia e interacción en ellas, ahora también se puede observar y analizar las situaciones de otras latitudes del mundo y generar conciencia para emitir un juicio concreto sobre la realidad internacional que viven otros países.
Garantizar un buen ambiente en la vida de las juventudes puede aumentar las posibilidades de crecer con buenos principios, valores y normas que permitirán desenvolverse adecuadamente en las sociedades.
3.1 ¿Qué ideas, innovaciones o cambios ya están en marcha y que podrían acercarnos al futuro que imaginaste? Podrían ser cosas que hayas experimentado, visto, oído o soñado. Podrían ser lideradas por jóvenes, colaboraciones intergeneracionales, comunidades, gobiernos u organizaciones: cualquier cosa que parezca un paso hacia ese futuro mejor.
En la organización que fundé hace 5 años, hemos querido dar vida a una norma creada por nosotros mismos: el Internacional Pacifismo. A la vez es una norma cultural, un concepto teórico y una posición político social que mantiene la idea de vivir en un contexto de paz teniendo en cuenta las grandes diferencias entre los Estados. Se acepta la interculturalidad, los derechos universales, el cuidado del medio ambiente y espacio exterior, la igualdad de género, entre otros, como sostén básico para una convivencia sana y armónica.
3.2 ¿Qué podemos hacer hoy para que esas ideas crezcan y prosperen, de modo que realmente conduzcan a un futuro mejor para todos? Piensen en lo que los jóvenes, las comunidades, los gobiernos o la ONU podrían hacer para apoyarlas.
La academia podría proponer el Internacional Pacifismo como teoría de las Relaciones Internacionales. Los Estados podrían aceptarlo como parte de sus principios de política exterior. La sociedad podría implementar en las currículas escolares los estudios de paz e interculturalidad y generar simulaciones como Modelos de Naciones Unidas con los retos contemporáneos. Los actores privados deberían sumarse desarrollando campañas donde se le ayude a las juventudes a innovar y darle seguimiento a esas ideas obteniendo resultados a corto, mediano y largo plazo.
Tôi tên là Dinh . Đất nước tôi tên Việt Nam. Tôi là con của người tị nạn. Tôi muốn kể với các bạn về câu chuyện của tôi gia đình tôi đất nước tôi sự liên quan đến quốc tế và UN, qua đó tôi muốn Kiêu gọi sự đồng cảm và hành động.
Tôi sinh năm 1988 tại VN, mẹ tôi cùng 2 anh trai con của dì tôi vượt biên từ VN qua Thái Lan ở trại tị nạn Thái Lan 7 năm. Sau đó mẹ tôi bị cưỡng bức bắt hồi hương về lại Việt Nam. Đến nay mẹ tôi vẫn đang ở Việt Nam và chờ được mở lại chương trình Tái định cư cho người tị nạn tại đất nước thứ 3 ( bất cứ quốc gia phát triển nào sẵn sàng nhận người tị nạn) . “ Boat People “ hay còn gọi “ Thuyền nhân việt Nam” một sự kiện lịch sử toàn thế giới điều biết từ năm 1975- 1997. Hoàn cảnh của gia đình tôi cùng những con người cùng khổ đang lánh nạn tại Thai Lan vẫn hy vọng đến ngày mở lại “ chương trình tái định cư cho người tỵ nạn là thuyền nhân tại Việt Nam “ . Hiện tại đất nước Việt Nam tôi vẫn còn chế độ Cộng sản . Tự do về Nhân quyền trên thực tế chúng tôi không có. Tôi hy vọng câu truyện ngắn của tôi được các bạn trẻ cũng như toàn thế giới được biết đến . Tôi rất mong nhận được sự giúp đỡ từ tất cả để sự chờ đợi hy vọng của mẹ tôi cũng như hàng triệu hoàn cảnh tị nạn khác được tái định cư tại đất nước thứ 3 https://machsongmedia.org/all/vietnam/bao-ve-nguoi-ti-nan/5577-ky-tich-… ( link web các bạn dành chút thời gian sẽ hiểu rõ hơn câu chuyện tôi kể)
Tôi rất mong và chờ tiếng nói hành động của tất cả mọi người về sự kiêu gọi giúp đỡ của tôi.
Một thế giới sẽ hoà bình khi :
1. Mọi vấn đề ẩn khuất cần được giải quyết cho tất cả mọi người từ bất cứ câu chuyện lịch sử nào. Mang lại sự thịnh vượng cho họ.
2. Mọi tôn giáo giáo không phân biệt tên gọi . Chúng ta điều là người có tôn giáo. Chúng ta là một.
3. Con người là trên hết, tình yêu thương cho tất cả mọi vật mọi tình huống . Tình yêu thương là điều duy nhất đến cuối cùng mà chúng ta cần.
…….
Xin cảm ơn các bạn đã đọc lời bình luận của tôi. Tôi rất vui được nhận bất cứ phản hồi nào từ tất cả mọi người.
Email cá nhân của tôi: [email protected]
Dear Dinh,
Thank you so much for sharing your story here. Your voice is powerful, and your vulnerability is deeply appreciated and incredibly inspiring. I extend my heart, well wishes, and hopes to you!
You make important points about the importance of love in shaping a more positive, peaceful future for youth generations. I'm curious – for you, what’s one action you think the UN or other government institutions could take today to help promote peace across the globe?
2.1 When all these barriers are removed, all young people will have equal access to resources and opportunities. There will always be competition among groups but it should be a healthy one where all groups can grow. Also in that world, there will be diversity. Not everyone will have to take the same career path. People should take different careers as they wish so all can get equal opportunity. Not focusing on one but many paths. This creates a well balanced society reducing competition, creating employment in all sectors.
Dear R. Valli,
Thank you so much for your important comments on this platform! I noticed in your previous comments that you referred to the unequal opportunities that prevent youth from developing themselves on an equal playing field with their peers. What sorts of programs, initiatives, or policies do you think institutions should enact to help break down these barriers, as you describe here?
Maddy Corson
We know there are a lot of skill development programs organized by many government in their countries. The main problem with most of these programs is they are not practical oriented. It is from my own experience I am saying this. They tell the theory but no practical application is taught. It may be due to budget or other factors. So there should be some quality check of these workshops or programs by their own governments. It should not be like we just show we organized it but people after attending those programs should be able to implement in real world.
Hi everyone! Welcome back to the #YouthLead Dialogues – Online Space on SparkBlue!
I’m Martha, and I’ll be your moderator for this second week, together with my amazing co-moderator Maddy. We’re so excited to continue this important conversation with all of you!
🗣️ This week, we’ll dive deeper into the questions and themes shared above. We encourage you to reflect, share your experiences, and respond openly. Feel free to jump into any question you feel most connected to – just be sure to include the number so we can follow the discussion easily.
🌍 If you haven’t yet, take a moment to introduce yourself and let us know where you’re joining from. This is a global dialogue, and every perspective adds something valuable.
🌐 You’re welcome to participate in your preferred language – just use the language button at the top right of the page and the platform will translate your post automatically.
📢 Your voices are powerful. Everything shared here will be part of a global synthesis report, set to be shared with world leaders during the 80th UN General Assembly this September. Your input is shaping the future!
Let’s build on the momentum from last week and keep the energy going.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Thank you, Martha, for the warm introduction! My name is Maddy, and I'm excited to co-moderate the second week of our digital #YouthLead Dialogues! Martha and I are grateful to be participating in such a fruitful and inspiring discussion.
If you're joining us for the first time, please introduce yourself! If you're returning to the discussion, please feel welcome to share your thoughts on the ideas and reflections that have been left since you last popped in.
Hi all, my name is Mishel Rafiq and I am a Pakistani British citizen who aims to become an international human rights lawyer. I hope together we can inspire change and uplift voices too often silenced.
1.2) Young people are constantly disregarded by today’s political system. We have unique beliefs and voices and hope, however, when we look at the United Nations today it seems toothless, like all bark and no bite. I truly believe this is because the UN itself has stated that this past month of July, Israel has killed one Palestinian every 12 minutes and yet there has been zero actions to stop these atrocities. So, what does this mean for young people across the globe? We lose hope in the very organisation we are supposed to trust. We lose hope in the organisation that advocates for human rights. We lose hope. That is dangerous, and cruel especially for people like me who want to join the UN and support all it stands for until the hypocrisy is exposed.
2.1) Young people have hope that they can make a change in the world and that their voices are not only heard but empowered. A future where each individual is given the right to express themselves without fear and no innocent child is killed simply for the colour of their skin or their faith. I envisage a world of clear skies and oceans and bright futures. This can only be possible through education, the UN, and the people. We need young people speaking out and seeing politics not as ‘distant’ but ever so present in their lives. From waking up in the morning, to sleeping at night -we are living in a political climate that is unstable and requires our voices and our attention.
3.1) I have seen a lot more opportunities for young people to campaign and actively engage in politics. From youth councils, political parties, and festivals -I truly feel like I can join these events and seek guidance through uplifting platforms. Even through protests and national demonstrations in the UK, constantly give me hope that perhaps we can persevere and learn and never give up.
3.2) This is such an important and incredible question, because this is something I constantly fight for in my local community. Young people should be given the opportunity to speak in parliament, and in the UN, they should not be ignored or neglected but seen. Seen by the foreign ministers of the world. Seen by the leaders of the UN. Seen by those who influence our future. Whether it be through a competition, an application or an election process, I believe that young people should be given the chance to speak in the UN. Apart from this, there should definitely be more opportunities for young people to network and learn about the reality of international law and what it means to pursue a career in this field. Many are left to themselves, or do not have proper political education, whilst some have fallen to propaganda which is dangerous. Young people should be protected from dangerous and extremist ideas, whilst simultaneously be given the environment to explore their political identity and refine their debating and public speaking skills. It is about our voices. It is about our futures. It is about the people.
To end, thank you for this opportunity. I hope this is of some benefit and can be one of the first steps towards achieving a flourishing future where no child is left hungry, and every person is given to chance to pursue an education and be empowered. The UN has this unique power and responsibility to serve the people, so let’s see real change. Let’s start it, now.
- Mishel Rafiq
Mishel Rafiq
Hi Mishel,
Thank you for sharing your reflections and your passion for human rights and youth empowerment. Your words capture the urgency and determination that so many young people feel today, and it’s vital that we listen and learn from these perspectives.
Thank you also for speaking out with such honesty and hope. Conversations like this one are an important step toward transforming institutions to better serve humanity and to ensure that young people are not only heard but are central to global decision-making!!
Martha Barreneche
Thank you! It is people like you that allow change to happen and inspire the youth to move forward! Every step is worth it
Mishel Rafiq Honestly, I truly agree with what you’ve written. Yes, we should be visible and heard. I deeply wish to stand at the United Nations, raising my voice for children’s rights. For every child facing struggles, I want to be there to support them—mentally, physically, and socially. Inside me, there’s a strong desire to stand up and speak out, whether it’s about education, motherhood, economics, politics, or even issues concerning my own country.
2.2) I think one setting where intergenerational collaboration can thrive would be with education, and it is an urgent issue as well. Education is the means by which knowledge is passed on to the workers, problem solvers, and leaders of tomorrow. Especially in smaller, more rural areas, education is a life-changing experience that opens new doors for youth, providing them opportunities. It is by prioritizing education, improving the quality, access, and delivery, that can create support for the whole community. This is one vital way that every young person can learn, stay healthy, and feel well, no matter what challenges they face. By collaborating between generations to improve this, not only does this better the lives of students themselves but in turn the community they are giving back to.
1,1.
Young people today are prioritizing a mix of mental health, social justice, climate action, and career development. Many are becoming more aware of the importance of mental well-being and are pushing for open conversations around mental health to break the stigma. Alongside this, youth are actively engaging in social justice movements, advocating for equality, inclusivity, and human rights.
Climate action is also at the forefront, with young people taking the lead in environmental advocacy, demanding urgent measures to protect the planet. Furthermore, many young people are focused on building their careers, seeking opportunities for personal growth and meaningful work, but often in a way that aligns with their values, such as working for social impact or sustainability.
Overall, young people today are deeply committed to creating a more equitable and sustainable world while focusing on their well-being and future opportunities.
Hello all, I am Abhishek Matta, currently serving as the Deputy CEO of AEEDU (Alliance for Economic and Educational Development of Underprivileged), a youth-focused and intergenerational organisation that brings together young changemakers alongside senior national leaders—including the former Chief Election Commissioner of India, the former Deputy Chief of Army Staff, and former Cabinet Ministers. Over the past nine years, I’ve worked across national and state levels in India on public policy, education, and governance. I also had the opportunity, while working at the UN Youth Office, to be the author of the "Youth Declaration on Transforming Education". It is from this experience that I wish to respond to the following questions.
3.1) What ideas, innovations, or changes are already starting now that could bring us closer to the future you just imagined?
In India, we are already witnessing sparks of transformation, initiatives that center dignity, reimagine justice, and are led from the ground up.
Legal Literacy and Civic Empowerment: In the states of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, Nyaaya Kendras run by Dalit and Muslim youth are demystifying laws in local languages, helping communities access welfare schemes, file RTIs, and fight wrongful detentions. Projects like The Criminal Justice and Police Accountability Project (CPA Project) in Madhya Pradesh, led by anti-caste lawyers, are tracking caste-based policing and pushing for data-driven, rights-based reforms.
Education from Below: Across India, Ambedkarite reading circles and Muslim feminist collectives are reshaping who gets to be called a thinker. Initiatives like The Blue Dawn (a digital repository of Dalit-Bahujan scholarship) and Pinjra Tod’s intersectional study groups are reclaiming space in knowledge production. With the rise of platforms like Project Mukti and Tarbiyah Movement, youth are not waiting for inclusive curricula, they're building them.
Tech with Justice at the Center: In Jharkhand, community-led organizations are deploying mesh Wi-Fi networks to connect forest villages to digital resources. In Telangana, Dalit Techies—an alumni collective—has started mentoring 1000+ students in tier-2 towns to crack software placements.
Youth in Local Governance: From basti sabhas in Delhi to panchayat seats reserved for SC/ST women, young people are not just mobilizing—they are legislating. In Tamil Nadu, 23-year-old Muslim woman Sofia Nasrin was elected to the civic council in 2022, after leading a sanitation and education drive in her neighborhood. She now chairs a ward committee and is pushing for local budget audits.
Intergenerational Alliances: Initiatives like Karwan-e-Mohabbat and Dalit History Month Collective are cross-generational archives of solidarity. They pair senior human rights defenders with emerging activists to record testimonies, publish zines, and preserve memory—turning remembrance into resistance.
What is the biggest cause of hope and inspiration is that these are not isolated efforts, but are concerted and synergetic efforts, they are rhizomes, spreading through WhatsApp groups, neighborhood libraries, and citizen journalism platforms. I do genuinely believe they already hold within them the grammar of the future: where representation isn’t symbolic, but structural; where dignity isn’t deferred, but delivered.
(3.2) What is one thing we can do today to help those ideas grow and succeed so they truly lead to better futures for everyone?
We can institutionalize youth leadership from historically excluded communities in policy-making, budgeting, and design—not as tokens, but as architects.
Drawing from what I've seen on the ground, in the spirit of learning and collaboration, here’s how I propose we might start today to help further nurture these efforts:
For Governments:
Create and fund “Youth Equity Councils” at the municipal and state level, ensuring 50% representation from Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi, Muslim, disabled, queer, and working-class youth. Give them participatory power to evaluate policies, conduct audits, and recommend changes to education, employment, and policing practices.
Mandate caste-religion-gender disaggregated data collection across NEET statistics, policing, and job placements—so exclusions are not invisibilized, but documented and dismantled.
For the UN and Multilaterals:
If a similar system does not already exist, we could establish a concerted "Global Fund for Intersectional Youth Justice", supporting local organizations led by youth from marginalized communities in the Global South. We could let the fund back projects like community Wi-Fi, grassroots legal clinics, and leadership training etc.
We could push for international frameworks that treat caste discrimination as a human rights issue, akin to race or ethnicity. Use mechanisms like the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to hold governments accountable.
For Communities and Civil Society:
Support language justice. Translate laws, RTI processes, and educational content into local tongues. For example, the Kaani Trust in Kerala has made higher education access guides in tribal dialects, unlocking pathways for first-generation learners.
Host Intergenerational Labs: spaces where youth activists work with retired judges, bureaucrats, and professors to draft shadow reports, reimagine school curricula, or map community assets. This cross-pollination can birth solutions we haven't dared yet.
We do not need to wait for the perfect law or ideal leader. The scaffolding of that future already exists—in WhatsApp forwards that decode FIR rights, in tech mentors giving mock interviews to basti youth, in interfaith alliances rebuilding broken neighborhoods.
We just need to fund it, frame it, and follow their lead.
Lastly, I'm once again truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this powerful and thoughtful platform. It's so inspiring to learn from such a diverse and committed community. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to listening, learning, and building together :)
Dear Abhishek,
Thank you so much for your thorough and thoughtful responses. I'm especially struck by some of the real-world examples you highlighted on issues ranging from legal literacy, feminist education, access to technology, and youth leadership across generations. Do you think it's possible for these initiatives to be scaled up, either in nations beyond India or on an international level? If so, how do you think multilateral institutions might be able to support this?
Hello everyone,
My name is Vinicius Goulart, an economics student at Grinnell College and current intern at Akropoli, a fintech working with Open Finance in Brazil. I grew up in Florianópolis and studied in a private school, but was always surrounded by people with fewer opportunities than I had. That contrast shaped my drive: I believe the best way to create long-term impact is by building systems of economic leverage for those often overlooked.
3.1) What ideas, innovations, or changes are already starting now that could bring us closer to the future you just imagined?
We’re seeing a new generation of students—especially in Latin America—learning to blend finance, code, and entrepreneurship outside traditional paths. Open Finance tools are giving visibility to the unbanked. Young people are learning valuation on YouTube, launching side projects on LinkedIn, and creating financial content in plain language. These aren’t isolated trends. They’re building blocks for a future where access isn’t decided by pedigree, but by execution.
3.2) What is one thing we can do today to help those ideas grow and succeed so they truly lead to better futures for everyone?
We need to bet on talent before it’s polished. That means funding early-stage student projects, translating knowledge into local languages, and creating mentorship networks across borders. And for each of us: share what we know. A spreadsheet, a script, a framework, those can be someone else’s launchpad.
I’m deeply grateful for the chance to share this space with so many brilliant and committed individuals. Thank you for reading, and for building futures that are not just imagined, but owned.
Hi Vinicius,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and reflections here. I resonate with your points – youth are driving innovation across the globe, especially in technological sectors, to create opportunities and uplift communities.
The financial projects and initiatives you highlighted are great examples of youth leadership taking root. What’s one action you think the UN or governments could take right now to support the growth of these efforts?
Bonjour, je m’appelle BUKURU Philippe, je suis un jeune BURUNDAIS âgé de 29 ans, j’ai un diplôme de Baccalauréat des sciences de l’Ingénieur département de génie civil, Mon intérêt est le développement des infrastructures durables respectueuses à l’environnement tout en réduisant l’empreinte de carbone et en promouvant l’économie circulaire et la réservation de l’écosystème.
Lorsque j’étais à l’université pendant que nous étions en train d’étudier le cours de : « Génie civil et protection de l’environnement » j’ai analysé et j’ai trouvé que chez nous au Burundi, on est dans la phase critique à l’adoption du génie civil Vert, les bâtiments intelligents, l’innovation vert et la liaison du génie civil avec l’environnement pour diminuer les défis due au secteur de construction/bâtiment.
Or le Burundi fait face à une forte croissance démographique et une urbanisation rapide, nécessitant des infrastructures modernes, durables et résilientes.
Par ailleurs, l’activité d’ingénierie civile bien que stratégique engendre des impacts environnementaux importants (Pollution, déforestation, érosion, changement climatique, maladies , disparition de la faune et la flore Etc.)
Selon la Banque Mondiale et WRI, après le secteur d’énergie qui vient au sommet, le secteur de construction/bâtiment représente environ :
• 34 à 39% des émissions liées à l’énergie et aux procédés (CO2, Méthane et énergie du bâtiment.
• 50% de l’exploitation des ressources naturelles (Production artisanale et industrielle des matériaux de construction, Granulats(Sables et gravier), eau et exploitation des forêts)
• 30% des déchets issue de la construction et la démolition des bâtiments.
C’est pourquoi l’entreprise RAPID BUILDER AND ARTWORK EDIFICATION avec sa mission : Le génie civil durable et la protection de l’environnement vise donc au développement des infrastructures durables et à la préservation de l’environnement, en intégrant des solutions innovantes et inclusives afin de contribuer au développement durable par la construction d’infrastructures vertes, la modernisation des techniques de génie civil et la protection de l’environnement dans les zones à forte activité.
Réponses
1.1.
Dans ce contexte pour répondre à la première question, les jeunes d’aujourd’hui souhaitent un avenir stable, durable et équitable. Ils accordent une grande importance à l’emploi décent, à l’accès à une éducation de qualité, à la justice climatique, à la participation citoyenne, et à l’innovation durable. Beaucoup aspirent à s’impliquer dans des projets de développement durable, à contribuer à la construction d’infrastructures respectueuses de l’environnement, et à jouer un rôle actif dans la restauration des écosystèmes.
1.2.
Le manque de ressources et d’accès au financement pour leurs projets. Ce défis est aggravé par le fait que le critère de financement au projets de développement ne tolèrent et n’encouragent pas :
• Les ASBL qui n’ont pas des moyens financiers
• Les Entreprises qui présentent des projets de développement durable. Par exemple mon entreprise RAPID BUILDER AND ARTWORK EDIFICATION COMPANY, J’ai soumis mon projet LE GÉNIE CIVIL DURABBLE ET LA PROTECTION DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT, malheureusement le projet a été rejeté mainte reprise soit disant que les Entreprises à But Lucratif ne sont pas acceptés. Pour résoudre ce défi j’ai eu l’idée de transformer mon SPRL en Entreprise sociale, j’ai eu peur que je n’y arriverai pas parce qu’au Burundi, il tellement difficile d’ouvrir une Association sans But Lucratif.
L’absence d’espaces de formation pratique adaptés aux réalités locales. Je peux dire sur moi-même,
Le manque de confiance des institutions envers les jeunes professionnels faute de d’absence de formation déjà évoqué dans le point précédent.
Les politiques rigides qui ne favorisent pas l’innovation ou la durabilité surtout en Afrique. Or le Burundi
Le poids des traditions ou des pratiques établies qui freinent le changement.
2.1.
Dans cet avenir, les jeunes sont des moteurs de développement. Ils conçoivent et dirigent des projets de construction durable, valorisent les déchets de chantier, utilisent des matériaux écologiques, et reboisent les zones endommagées par les activités humaines. Leur savoir est reconnu et mis en valeur. Chaque jeune accède facilement à l’éducation, à la santé, à l’emploi, et à des financements adaptés à ses initiatives vertueuses.
2.2.
Les générations coopèrent à travers des plateformes intergénérationnelles. Les anciens transmettent leur expérience, tandis que les jeunes proposent des solutions innovantes et écoresponsables. Les autorités locales, les techniciens, les ingénieurs et les communautés dialoguent autour de projets collectifs. L’apprentissage est inclusif et basé sur les réalités climatiques et environnementales de chaque région.
3.1.
La promotion de conception des infrastructures durables et des ouvrages éco responsable.
La promotion de l’économie circulaire dans le secteur du BTP.
Les formations locales sur les bâtiments durables pour les jeunes ingénieurs.
Les campagnes de sensibilisation communautaire à la protection de l’environnement.
L’usage croissant de matériaux de construction recyclés.
Les startups vertes portées par des jeunes africains.
3.2.
Les gouvernements doivent créer des fonds d’innovation verte accessibles aux jeunes.
L’ONU peut soutenir les projets pilotes durables dans les pays en développement même ceux qui n’ont pas encore créé leur ORGANISATION SANS BUT LUCRATIF (ONG) ou ASSOCIATION SANS BUT LUCRATIF (ASBL) mais qui ont des idées et Objectifs de développement durable (ODD) Exemple typique c’est moi, je n’a pas encore de mon ASBL mais j’ai réaliser plusieurs activités de génie civil qu’il soit les conceptions, les études de faisabilité financière et technique, les travaux de terrains dans mon nouvel entreprise RAPID BUILDER AND ARTWORK EDIFICATION COMPANY ou dans autres entreprises d’ailleurs.
Les communautés doivent valoriser les initiatives des jeunes ingénieurs qui ont des idées d’innovation des nouvelles entreprises et ASBL malgré la manque de ressources financières.
Les ONG doivent organiser des programmes de mentorat et de sensibilisation dans les écoles, universités et quartiers, de nouvelles entreprises et nouvelles ASBL.
Il faut intégrer la durabilité dans les politiques publiques du génie civil et de la planification urbaine.
Dear Phillipe,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful, thorough reflections on these questions. I completely agree that young people are the drivers of development, which I think is epitomized by your journey setting up your social enterprise on sustainable civil engineering.
I'm wondering, in the context of your experiences, how other young people might be able to replicate this work in countries outside of Burundi. How might multilateral institutions support with this process?
🌟 Happy Friday, everyone! 🌟
As we almost wrap up the second week of the #YouthLead Dialogues, Maddy and I just wanted to thank you all for being part of this vibrant space. Your insights, experiences, and reflections are shaping powerful insights that will echo all the way to the UN General Assembly this September!
We’d love to hear from more of you before the week ends! Whether you’re responding to a specific question, sharing a personal story, or engaging with someone else’s post — your voice matters. 💬🌍
If you haven’t introduced yourself yet, don’t worry — it’s never too late to jump in and let us know where you’re joining from and what inspires you to take part in this conversation!!
Let’s keep building this global dialogue together.
Warm wishes for a restful weekend ahead,
— Martha & Maddy 💙
(1.1) Hello, my name is Iniya! Young people prioritizing today action that secures the future, preserving it not only for them but future generations as well. They are looking for justice in legal systems, targeted climate action, and ways to empower their communities. It takes one small change, implemented in the right place at the right time, to shape the future for the better especially in rural communities. Beyond this, I think most importantly young people are seeking to be connected in making this change. They want to spread the message and raise awareness about these problems, and use platforms such as social media or public forums to do so.
Hi, Iniya!
Welcome to the dialogue – thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I completely agree with your points – young people must be connected through cross-community and cross-country networks in order to scale-up their change-making efforts. In your opinion, how do you think these networks are best formed and facilitated? Should they be formal or informal? Digital or in-person?
Let me know what you think!
Hello Maddy Corson and Iniya.
I'm interested in Climate change. I hope you have seen my full answers in my comments. I have sent you some ideas about how the sector of construction can influence climate to change.
Now. This are:
1. My question what are the advantages of this Dialogue?
2. Is there any care of retention of projects to those who have presented them?
3. After this YouthLead are you previewed some opportunities to those how have proposed their opinion?
Hi Phillipe –
Thank you so much for your questions! We've appreciated your comments and reflections. I recently left a brief follow-up for you in reply to your initial comment!
With respect to your inquiries here, the #YouthLead Dialogues offer a meaningful opportunity for young people to directly shape the global conversation on youth priorities. This digital discussion will take place concurrently with in-person dialogues across the globe, which are organized by the UN Youth Office.
By contributing to this online space, you help inform a global summary that will be presented to world leaders during the UN General Assembly in September 2025! This way, your lived experiences and perspective will feed into global frameworks like the World Programme of Action for Youth and the global policy discussion on youth issues, while also connecting youth globally, as you've already seen, and allow ideas and experiences to be shared across contexts!
While individual projects or initiatives may be mentioned as examples, the goal of the #YouthLead Dialogues is to gather ideas that reflect broader youth perspectives. However, all contributions, including references to projects, will be reviewed and considered as part of the official summary! Contributors are welcome to include links or descriptions if relevant, as I've seen you've done in your previous comment - thank you for including the attachment!
While participation in the Dialogue itself does not automatically lead to further opportunities, the UN Youth Office, UNDP, and other partners will continue to engage and partner with youth in upcoming initiatives, events, and campaigns connected to the #YouthLead Festival and beyond. Participants are encouraged to stay engaged through SparkBlue and other UN platforms, where future calls for collaboration and youth engagement will be shared!
Hi Maddy Corson, thank you so much for your questions! I think these cross-community and cross-country networks should be formed across an already established student resource: schools and universities. I think by forming these networks in such a way they are integrated with local schools and universities (such as beginning a network of clubs) this change and decision-making can be accessible to more people. In creating a special group of youth dedicated to change-making efforts they can lead their own operations; creating activities such as discussion forums on global problems, or brainstorming meetings to work on the SDGs within their area. I think creating a formal network, digitally, not only provides access to this network by a wider range of youth but also lends gravity to their decisions and discussions, as they can be recognized as made by future leaders, workers, and problem-solvers. Further, this allows them to connect to other similar youth groups across schools and universities to work together on implementing this change on a larger scale, giving them a dedicated opportunity to do so.
Hi everyone! 👋 Welcome to Week 3 of the #YouthLead Dialogues – Online Space on SparkBlue!
I’m Sofia, and I’ll be your moderator this week alongside my co-moderator, Kate. We’re thrilled to guide you through this second-to-last week of our global conversation. Time is flying, but there’s still so much more to share, reflect on, and build together.
✨ This week’s challenge: Let’s make this the most engaging week yet! We count on each of you to invite a friend, colleague, or fellow changemaker who should be part of this dialogue. More voices = more power. 💥
🗣️ Dive into the discussion prompts above – pick the one(s) that resonate most with you and be sure to include the question number in your comment so the thread stays easy to follow.
🌎 Haven’t introduced yourself yet? Now’s the perfect time. Let us know where you're joining from and what motivates you to contribute to the #YouthLead discussion.
🌐 Prefer to write in another language? No problem! Use the language button at the top right – the platform will automatically translate your post so everyone can follow along.
📣 And don’t forget: what you share here will directly feed into a global synthesis report heading to world leaders at the 80th UN General Assembly. This is your chance to help shape the future – your words matter.
Let’s keep the energy going and make this week one of bold ideas, honest reflections, and shared purpose.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Thank you, Sofia, for the kind introduction! My name is Kate, and I'm so excited to co-moderate Week 3 of UNDP's #YouthLead Dialogues! So thankful to be in this space with such driven youth advocates.
If you're joining us for the first time, please introduce yourself! If you're returning to the discussion, please feel welcome to share your thoughts on the ideas and reflections that have been left since you last spoke with us.
Looking forward to hearing all of your great insights!
Hello everyone, my name is Takunda Clement Chanetsa I work as a Strategic Information Evaluation Assistant at Zvandiri.
1. As a young person from Zimbabwe advocating for young people living with HIV, I believe that today, young people are prioritizing mental health awareness, education, and community support. We are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing stigma and creating safe spaces for open conversations about our experiences. However, several barriers hold us back from reaching our full potential. Stigma surrounding HIV and mental health remains a significant challenge, leading to isolation and fear of discrimination. Additionally, limited access to resources and support services can hinder our ability to seek help. Cultural norms and societal expectations often dictate how we should behave, which can stifle our voices and prevent us from advocating for change. We must break these barriers to empower ourselves and each other.
2. In a future where the barriers young people face today have been removed, life in my community is vibrant and full of opportunities. Young people feel empowered to express themselves and pursue their dreams without fear of stigma or discrimination. Mental health is openly discussed, and support networks are readily available, ensuring that everyone has access to the help they need. In this future, people of all generations actively care for and support each other. Elders share their wisdom and experiences, while young people inspire innovation and change. Community programs foster intergenerational connections, creating a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Education is inclusive and adaptable, providing personalized pathways for every young person, regardless of their background or challenges. Health services are accessible and youth-friendly, focusing not only on physical health but also on mental and emotional well-being. There are community centers where young people can gather, learn, and engage in activities that promote their overall health and happiness. Overall, this transformed community prioritizes collaboration and understanding, ensuring that every young person can thrive and contribute to a brighter future.
3. Several exciting ideas and innovations are already emerging that could bring us closer to the future I envision. For instance, youth-led initiatives focused on mental health awareness are gaining traction, with young advocates organizing workshops and support groups to break the stigma surrounding mental health and HIV. Social media campaigns are also being used to raise awareness and promote positive narratives about living with HIV. Intergenerational collaborations are becoming more common, with older community members mentoring young people, sharing their experiences, and creating a sense of solidarity. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of youth participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that our voices are heard in shaping policies that affect us. One significant step we can take today to help these ideas grow is to invest in community-based programs that foster collaboration between young people and local leaders. This could involve creating platforms for dialogue where young people can share their ideas and experiences directly with decision-makers. Governments and organizations should prioritize funding for youth-led initiatives and ensure that resources are accessible and tailored to meet the needs of young people. By supporting these efforts, we can create an environment where innovative ideas flourish, leading us toward a brighter future for everyone.
Dear Takunda,
Thank you for such an engaging, in-depth response! It's wonderful to see youth taking action for important topics like good well-being and the importance of good mental health.
You also made a great point of raising the power that community-based programs have in generating a positive change. I agree that investing in community-based approaches is certainly a step in the right direction.
Thank you for all that you do!
Hello, my name is Maryam, and I'm from Baghdad, Iraq. I'm 17 years old.
I don't currently belong to any organization, but I'm actively looking. I've participated in several programs at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and with World Learning, and I'd like to share some of my thoughts with you.
In my opinion, the priorities of young people today are diverse. I can't say they are entirely negative or positive, but I believe they are easily influenced by the outside world and are mostly based on individual rather than societal concerns.
Young people in my country rarely engage in developing a sense of community or advancing the wheel of development — and honestly, I don’t blame them.
I remember when I was in school and tried to discuss some ideas for social development with my classmates, I was often met with ridicule. Again, I don’t blame them. Sometimes you feel too young to make an impact, or the environment around you is so discouraging that you don’t even try.
Perhaps one of the priorities of young people today is to become more cunning and selfish in pursuit of personal gain, under the pretense of "knowing how the game of life works."
What prevents young people from realizing their potential? First and foremost, the lack of motivation comes from within: many believe their opinions don’t matter, aren’t taken seriously, or simply that these issues are not their responsibility.
Secondly, in my community, those involved in activism or development often come across as arrogant — they like to boast about their efforts more than they actually contribute. Their circles are small, closed off, and often unwelcoming. They may belittle others or seem disingenuous in their intentions.
So a young person with sincere intentions and a simple background might be shocked by the reality and withdraw further from wanting to contribute.
In my community, there are some ideas and initiatives that could bring change. I do appreciate some of them and feel they are a step in the right direction. However, most are led by people who are not truly open-minded or growth-oriented — despite those words appearing in their slogans.
Most of them are run by teenage boys, usually backed by their upper-class parents. Very few teenage girls are involved.
This creates additional barriers for girls who want to participate — especially in a society like mine,
There is also a strange dynamic in these organizations that I don’t fully understand. They don’t seem serious,
That’s why I believe the most important thing the government and the United Nations can do is focus more on people from underprivileged backgrounds.
I know this might seem difficult at first — especially in Middle Eastern countries — and yes, it might involve some risks. But this is the reality.
There’s no real benefit in making the educated even more educated while others are still denied the chance to learn in the first place.
We need to create environments that genuinely support girls — and stay away from those who merely pretend to be progressive.
Dear Maryam,
It's nice to meet you! Thank you for joining us and sharing these important observations.
It's important to know how the UN and the international community can support young people in their changemaking endeavours. Is there anything that youth-led organizations can do to better support you and break down some of these barriers to meaningful participation that you identified?
Hi everyone, good morning from New York! 🗽
Welcome to another day of dynamic conversations for this week's consultations! Circling back to the engaging message that Sofia sent yesterday. We look forward to discussing with you today!
✨ This week’s challenge: Let’s make this the most engaging week yet! We count on each of you to invite a friend, colleague, or fellow changemaker who should be part of this dialogue. More voices = more power. 💥
🗣️ Dive into the discussion prompts above – pick the one(s) that resonate most with you and be sure to include the question number in your comment so the thread stays easy to follow.
🌎 Haven’t introduced yourself yet? Now’s the perfect time. Let us know where you're joining from and what motivates you to contribute to the #YouthLead discussion.
🌐 Prefer to write in another language? No problem! Use the language button at the top right – the platform will automatically translate your post so everyone can follow along.
📣 And don’t forget: what you share here will directly feed into a global synthesis report heading to world leaders at the 80th UN General Assembly. This is your chance to help shape the future – your words matter.
As a reminder, your words matter! We look forward to hearing from you. 😊
Hello everyone!
My name is Muhammad Abdullah, and I’m currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance. I’m also a proud member of the United Nations Association of Pakistan (UNAP).
Through my involvement with UNAP, I recently had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on international youth empowerment. This experience has deepened my commitment to promoting mental health awareness, women’s rights, gender equality, and inclusive policymaking.
Looking forward to attending the meeting and connecting with you all in the Zoom room!
It’s an honor to be part of this vibrant space, and I look forward to contributing to the #YouthLead Dialogues.
Special thanks to all the admin team for accepting my request for this group.
Hi Abdullah – welcome to the space, and thank you for your thoughtful introduction!
We’re so glad to have you here and truly appreciate the passion you bring through your work with UNAP. Your commitment is exactly the kind of perspective that can enrich this dialogue.
To join the conversation, feel free to type your responses directly in the forum – just make sure to mention the question number you're replying to so others can easily follow along.
We’re looking forward to hearing more from you in the discussion threads!
Hello everyone! Thank you for all of your engagement this week. 🩵
I thought I'd share my thoughts on this question outlined above:
"In this future, how do people of all generations care for and support each other? What is different about how your community makes sure every young person can learn, stay healthy, and feel well, no matter the challenges they face?"
Personally, I envision a world where people of all generations embrace diverse backgrounds and actively lift each other up. As a young person, I believe that it would be especially meaningful for youth to continue to amplify each other's voices. If there is one thing I've observed during my time attending events at the UNHQ in New York, it's that we are stronger together! ✨️
I'm curious - what are your thoughts on this question? Or, do some of the others outlined on this discussion board resonate with you? Do you have any experiences that are meaningful to you related to these questions that you would feel comfortable sharing?
Let us know! 🩵
Hiii Kate. Thank you for sharing this. I REALLYY connected with your words.
I think in the future, support between generations should look more like real understanding and less like assumptions. Sometimes adults think they know what’s best for youth without truly listening. I believe the most powerful thing any generation can do is to sit with someone younger or older and ask, “What do you need right now?” and really really mean it. In my ideal community, young people aren’t pressured to “become someone” first before being heard. They're trusted as they are. Mental health is not a taboo topic. Education isn’t about pressure, but about growth. And no one is afraid to say, “I need help.” I’ve seen small moments of this in my own journey, like in my volunteer spaces and through conversations where someone simply made time to listen. That matters more than we think. I'm still learning how to offer that kind of support to others, too. But I believe we all grow stronger when we choose to really see each other…. across any any anyyy age.
Joaquín Requena
I'm so glad that my response resonated with you. What you said about understanding and the power of "what do you need right now?" spoke to me, too. As you highlighted, kindness and support go a long way.
It's wonderful that you are a part of such a supportive community. I agree that it is never shameful to ask for help, and as someone who has been involved with SDG 4, I appreciate what you said about education being a tool for growth!
Thanks again for sharing such a powerful response!
My name is Joaquín and I’m new here. I’m a student from Bolivia, and I joined because I care deeply about education, values, and building a future where young people are taken seriously. I’m excitedddd to share my thoughts with all of you and learn from your perspectives!!!! :)
1.1 - A lot of young people are focused on building their future. They want stability, purpose, and real opportunities. I think most of us care about things like mental health, education, financial independence, and trying to figure out what we’re good at. There’s also a growing desire to do something that matters, even if we don’t always know what that is yet. Personally, I think more people are starting to realize that we can't ignore the problems around us. Whether it’s inequality, the environment, or the pressure to always "be productive," there’s a hunger to push back. To grow, not only for ourselves, but for others too.
1.2 - One big barrier is low expectations. Sometimes adults or systems assume young people can’t lead or make real change. So we’re told to wait or follow, instead of being invited to build something now. Another one is pressure. Pressure to fit in, succeed fast, and act like we know what we’re doing. We grow up hearing what we "should" do, but not always being asked what we want to do. That makes people feel stuck or fake, especially when they want to live differently.
2.1 - It’s more honest. People don’t hide behind fake confidence or fear of judgment. Young people ask questions, make mistakes, and get support without being treated like they’re weak. In this future, what I love the most is that school doesn’t only test memory. It helps you reflect about anything. You shape a system, and adults respect that. Also, being young isn’t treated like a phase to survive. It’s seen as a time to grow into someone solid, with values, direction, and purpose. That’s the kind of future I want to work for.
2.2 - There’s more listening. Older people don’t assume they always know best, and younger people don’t feel like they have to prove themselves all the time. There’s respect both ways. Communities would invest more in people, not just programs. Instead of focusing only on test scores or jobs, we’d look at things like emotional support, mentorship, and real-life learning. In this future, care means consistency. You don’t get help only when you’re in crisis. You’re seen and supported as you grow, long before things fall apart.
3.1 - I think small things are starting to matter again. People are forming groups to talk about their mental health. Students are teaching other students. Youth leaders are creating spaces like this one, where we get to speak freely and share real ideas. There are also more projects based on trust. For example, programs where students create their own solutions to local problems. It’s not perfect, but it shows that young people are ready to take responsibility when given the chance.
3.2 - We need to take young people seriously, I mean…. not only when we perform well, but when we’re still figuring things out. That means giving space to talk and try things without being shut down or ignored. The UN and others could support this by creating more spaces where youth from different backgrounds actually interact. Not perform for adults. Not compete. But connect and support each other. Also, recognize effort. Many young people are doing good work quietly. Highlight that. Celebrate the process, not just the result.
At the end of the day, we are all just young people trying to understand who we are and how we fit into a world that rarely stops to listen. But I believe that when we speak with honesty, when we act with intention, and when we choose to care even when no one asks us to, something shifts. Maybe the change doesn’t come all at once. Maybe it’s slow, quiet, even invisible. But it’s real. And I think that matters.
Hi Joaquín, welcome to the discussion!
Thank you for sharing such an informative, in-depth response. I think that what you quoted at the end of your post was very powerful, "But I believe that when we speak with honesty, when we act with intention, and when we choose to care even when no one asks us to, something shifts. Maybe the change doesn’t come all at once. Maybe it’s slow, quiet, even invisible. But it’s real. And I think that matters."
The point you made about youth and building futures is great, especially given all of young people's engagement across the SDGs and the UN's Pact for the Future.
How can the UN or youth support each other in building equitable futures? Based on where you are, what youth-led initiatives towards building a better world do you see in Bolivia that are meaningful to you?
Heyyyy Kate, thank you so so much for your message. It honestly made me smile.
To your questionnnn. I think both the UN and youth can support each other by building bridges of trust and opportunity. Young people often have the creativity, urgency, and fresh ideas. But sometimes what’s missing is the structure or platform to be heard and sustained. The UN, on the other hand, holds space, experience, and global visibility. So when both sides meet halfway, change becomes more possible aaaaaand more grounded.
Here in Bolivia, I’ve started seeing youth-led initiatives focused on climate education, youth empowerment in rural areas, and even community dialogues about peace and inclusion. One example I really admire is a small group of students in my city that started organizing mental health talks in public schools. It began as something simple, but it’s growing FASTTT and I think it reflects how much youth want to take care of each other, not just speak about change, but really buildddd it together.
I’m also personally involved in a volunteer group where we give open talks on different social issues. It’s all nonprofit and super grassroots, but that’s the best part honestly. It shows that anyone with intention and a bit of heart can do something valuable. Even if it starts small.
To me, support looks like this: listen to youth, involve them in decisions, and believe in what they can dooo even when it’s just beginning. Thank you again for keeping this space alive. It’s been very meaningful to be part of it <3.
Hi Joaquín Requena,
Thank you for sharing these wonderful examples of youth engagement and for doing all that you do! We are happy to have you with us.
Hello from New York! ☀️
I thought I'd share my thoughts on this question, too:
"What do you think young people are prioritizing today?"
In my work, I've noticed that young people are prioritizing SDG 4, Quality Education. Education is important for so many reasons. It's the foundation behind how we navigate the world and understand UN processes that so many young people are engaged in. Education, of course, is a human right. I have seen youth work on advancing SDG 4 in a variety of education-related fields: gender equality, education on sustainability, human rights education, and more! It's been so rewarding to observe young people in action here.
This brings me to two questions for you(th): which issues or causes do you feel passionate about? What do young people around you feel strongly about?
Your observations are welcome!
Hello everyone, I’m Dr. Iqra Ali from Pakistan, currently serving as Head of the A-Levels Department. I guide and mentor students on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and at present, we are conducting research on the Zero Hunger Project. I’d like to share my responses to the questions listed above
1.1 Today’s youth are prioritizing climate action, quality education, mental health, and meaningful employment. They are also deeply invested in social justice, equity, and finding innovative, tech-driven solutions to global challenges
1.2 Young people are often held back by limited access to quality education, lack of mentorship, and structural inequalities. Even well intentioned traditions or systems such as rigid educational pathways, gender norms, or exclusion from decision making can limit their voice, creativity, and opportunities.
Hi Iqra,
Thank you for sharing - this is amazing!
What findings have you discovered in your research? And, what kind of support would be helpful for you in deconstructing the barriers to meaningful engagement that you highlighted above?
Thank you for your kind words! I’m really glad to share our progress with you.
I’ve formed a dedicated student-led team consisting of a Research Lead, Field Coordinator, Outreach Department, Social Media Handler, and Accounts/Budgeting Officer. Our Research Lead has developed an action plan that includes a fundraising educational expo at our school, with proceeds directed to our Zero Hunger campaign.
Our Outreach Department will host awareness seminars on reducing food waste and addressing malnutrition, while our Field Coordinators plan to place community fridges in underprivileged areas. These fridges will be sponsored through our collaborations with national NGOs and multinational companies.
The students’ commitment is remarkable they will compile and present statistical reports of the initiative to the United Nations. Personally, I’ve registered to attend the Dubai Impact Conference on UN SDGs, and I was wondering if my student team, especially the Research Lead, could also register to attend.
Additionally, could you guide us on whether any funding opportunities exist for our students to present their project and participate in the dialogue discussions?
This is so inspiring - thank you for sharing!
In terms of funding opportunities, I would recommend keeping up with the UN's various newsletters for any updates or contacting youth-oriented NGOs that may have the capacity to offer financial support.
Hello, I am Diego Alonso Rotta Valverde 🌍📈 from Peru 🇵🇪
I am learning about finance for international development with curiosity and purpose. I share brief reflections with a little more detail.
1️⃣ Priorities 🌍
Climate justice and nature protection. Decent work with fair pay. Strong public education and digital skills. Mental health and safety. Real participation in decisions, not symbolic. Preparation for future jobs powered by science and technology.
2️⃣ Barriers 🧱
Poverty and unpaid care limit time and choices. Precarious jobs and weak protections. Symbolic representation without real power. Underfunded schools and health care. Discrimination and unsafe digital spaces. Gaps in transport, internet, and finance that exclude.
3️⃣ Future vision 🔭
Young people study, work, and create in safe, green, and connected cities and rural areas. Paid apprenticeships and green jobs are common. Air and water are clean. Housing is affordable. Youth have voting seats in councils. Services are simple, digital by default, and respectful.
4️⃣ Care across generations 🤝
Mentoring circles bring elders and youth together. Shared councils set goals together. Communities value caregiving with credits and time banks. Schools act as hubs for health, learning, arts, and sports. Mobile teams bring care to remote places. Wellbeing is part of every policy. Less wars. Defense is good but better to invest in education.
5️⃣ Seeds of change now 🌱
Participatory budgeting with real youth power. Youth climate funds that finance measurable local solutions. Education becomes truly accessible with open content. A trusted digital identity accelerates eligibility, enrollment, and service delivery. Digital money and public wallets ensure rapid and transparent access to cash transfers, scholarships, and grants. Social enterprises and green public works turn ideas into decent jobs. Tele mental health and community hubs expand care. We need a technological revolution now for distributive financial development.
6️⃣ One action today 🚀
Launch flexible youth led funds with simple applications, mentorship, and yes zero cost access. Governments allocate 1 percent of relevant budgets to youth solutions, publish results openly, and scale what works.
📝 To close, as Guterres might joke about the new UN report
less paper and more work 💪📄➡️⚙️ not one reads 😂
I know I may seem like a dreamer, but it is a beautiful thing to have an idea and watch it endure over time.
Hi Diego, thank you for sharing these reflections!
I agree with the sentiment you shared at the end of your post, "it is a beautiful thing to have an idea and watch it endure over time". All wonderful changemaking initiatives stem from innovation and dedication.
Hi Everyone,
I’m Dr. K. Mohanraj from Sri Sairam Engineering College, where I serve as a Rover Scout Leader, guiding and mentoring young people through skill development, leadership training, and community service. My journey blends technology and social impact from developing sustainable engineering solutions to leading local SDG projects, including village waste management and youth-led climate action. I’m passionate about intergenerational collaboration, empowering youth to co-create solutions that benefit both people and the planet. I look forward to exchanging ideas and building partnerships for a better future.
1. What do you think young people are prioritizing today?
The goal of today's youth is to contribute to society while creating a safe and fulfilling future for themselves. They place a high value on having access to good education, chances to learn digital and practical skills, and respectable jobs that provide stability and room for advancement. Along with a strong commitment to equality, climate action, and having a genuine say in forming local and national policies, mental health and general well-being have also emerged as top priorities.
2. 2. What barriers do you think hold young people back from reaching their full potential, even when it’s well-intentioned or seen as “just the way things are”?
Many young people today encounter obstacles that prevent them from realizing their full potential. There are frequently few job openings, and the skills that are taught in schools and colleges don't always correspond with what employers need. While economic hardships prevent some people from accessing higher education and skill training, outdated curricula deprive students of the practical knowledge they require. Many people are discouraged from seeking help because of the social stigma associated with mental health, and disparities persist due to socioeconomic status, gender, and disability. Furthermore, environmental issues endanger both livelihoods and the general well-being of communities, and youth perspectives are frequently underrepresented in decision-making processes.
Hi Mohanraj! Thank you for such a thoughtful response!
I completely agree with the multi-layered priorities and barriers you have identified, particularly environmental concerns and mental health stigma. These are critical issues that need far more attention, but the impactful work you're doing gives us real hope! 🌟
Sofia Santos de Oliveira
Hi Sofia Santos de Oliveira
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🌟 I truly believe that when we acknowledge these challenges openly, we create space for collective action and innovative solutions. Environmental sustainability and mental health support are not just urgent needs they’re opportunities for young people to lead with empathy and creativity. I’m excited about the possibility of collaborating and learning from each other to turn hope into tangible change for our communities and the planet.
Hello, my name is Inasse, and I’m a proud Moroccan citizen with a strong passion for philanthropy and humanitarian work. I have always felt a deep inner calling to help others, which is one of the main reasons I aspire to become a doctor in the near future. I believe that together, through inspiring change and uplifting voices, even those often unheard, we can create a better world.
1.1) I believe that many young people today prioritize how others perceive them, their societal image and the way they are seen by others. There’s a strong focus on outward appearances, on looking a certain way that fits social expectations. Unfortunately, this often leads them to lose sight of who they truly are. The most important thing is to be authentic, to embrace your real self rather than pretending to be someone just to please others.
This is one of the biggest paradoxes of our time, especially with the influence of social media. The constant exposure to curated, often fake personas pressures young people to hide their true selves. If they don’t have the latest smartphone, or if they don’t dress like the most influential celebrities, they fear being left out or judged. In this way, many forget their true identity and what makes them unique.
Authenticity is what makes us human. We all share the same brain but not the same ideas or perspectives. Instead of focusing on leaving a meaningful impact on the world, young people often focus more on pleasing others and fitting into a trend, which risks losing the true value of individuality.
1.2) I believe one of the biggest obstacles stopping young people from becoming the best version of themselves or reaching their full potential is the constant distraction of phones, especially doomscrolling. It can trap people in just trying to get through the day instead of focusing on leaving a meaningful mark on the world.
Often, people say “it is what it is,” accepting things as they are without questioning if they should be different. But when we see something wrong or unfair, we should challenge ourselves to think creatively about how to change that behavior or situation. It’s important to make things better not only for ourselves but also for future generations.
We shouldn’t be selfish by ignoring the problems we’re passing on to our children and grandchildren. They are the next generation who will inherit this world, so it’s our responsibility to make their path easier, not harder.
Another barrier is that even when young people have the desire to create change and leave an impact, they often don’t know how to start. There aren’t enough accessible places or clear guidance on how to get involved, whether in NGOs, youth programs, or other platforms working towards a better future. I think we need to raise awareness and educate young people more about these opportunities so they can take action confidently.
2.1) I believe that if we remove the barriers and obstacles young people face today, we would be able to truly leave a meaningful impact. Young people would inspire adults to make better decisions because they would see their own children striving for a brighter future. We want to improve our lives and make a lasting mark on the world.
I imagine a generation that will be remembered as the one who changed a world on the brink of collapse, transforming it from a place threatened by poor decisions into one that prospers and lives in peace. Because deep down, everyone seeks inner peace and harmony with others. We all want to live happily, fulfilling our human nature and desire for comfort.
By removing these barriers, young people would be empowered to work together to create a better, more peaceful world for everyone.
2.2) In a future where people of all ages care for and support each other, there would be true listening, not just hearing the oldest or the youngest, but valuing every voice equally. Young people would be given the space to speak freely about any subject, without being told to “let the adults talk.” I believe that for too long, young people have been silenced by adults, which made them see adults as distant, unreachable figures almost like an inaccessible world, as reflected in The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupéry.
But I imagine a future where adults truly listen to young people’s needs and try to understand them. Only then can we work toward ensuring full access to education for everyone, not just basic education, but premium education that goes beyond calculus and physics. While those subjects are important for developing critical thinking and understanding the universe, education should also help young people discover who they really are. It should teach life skills, new abilities, and self-awareness that prepare us for life beyond school. We must also prioritize health, both physical and mental. Mental health, in particular, deserves much more attention, especially as young people face growing challenges today. Social media and the current state of the world expose us to constant stress and anxiety, and this can seriously affect our well-being. Without proper support and care, this situation could lead to devastating consequences.
3.1) Currently, here in Morocco, I’ve witnessed inspiring efforts led by young people. Many youth are starting clubs and NGOs, working together to support future generations, including even their younger siblings. I’ve seen orientation sessions designed to guide young people, as well as volunteering initiatives led by youth themselves.
Young people are raising their voices, reaching out to governments, large organizations, and international bodies to make sure their perspectives are heard. I am part of this movement too, I’m actively trying to make an impact by joining organizations where my voice can be amplified. I’m also working on starting my own NGO and organizing fundraisers to help people in need.
What excites me the most is seeing adults, who once seemed unreachable, becoming more open and understanding toward young people’s ideas and concerns. This growing intergenerational collaboration is a powerful step toward the better future we all imagine.
3.2) I believe one key thing we can do today to help these ideas grow and succeed is to raise awareness within the youth community. As a 17-year-old, I face challenges trying to connect with youth organizations because, while I have ideas, I’m not always sure how to turn them into reality or how to make my voice heard by the world’s leaders.
I know that change is more possible when young voices are united within powerful platforms, especially international organizations like the UN. But currently, there isn’t a clear manual or guidance that shows us how to navigate this process. Creating accessible pathways, tools, or mentorship programs to guide young people through turning their ideas into action would be a crucial step toward empowering us all to make a real impact.
Hi Inasse – thank you so much for your deeply moving and reflective post. 🌍
Your words really resonate, especially your insight about the paradox of social media—how it can push young people to focus so much on outward appearances that they begin to lose touch with their authentic selves. I completely agree with your point: authenticity is what makes us human, and reclaiming it is essential if we want to lead with purpose and build a more compassionate world.
I also appreciate your honest take on the barriers young people face, especially the lack of accessible guidance and entry points for meaningful engagement. What you said about raising awareness and creating clearer pathways for action is so important—and something I hope this space can help support.
Thank you for your clarity and leadership! Best of luck on your journey!
Hi everyone! Welcome back to the #YouthLead Dialogues – Online Space on SparkBlue!
I’m Maryam, and I’ll be your moderator for this third week, together with my amazing co-moderators Zakira and Julia. We’re so excited to continue this important conversation with all of you!
🗣️ This week, we’ll dive deeper into the questions and themes shared above. We encourage you to reflect, share your experiences, and respond openly. Feel free to jump into any question you feel most connected to – just be sure to include the number so we can follow the discussion easily.
🌍 If you haven’t yet, take a moment to introduce yourself and let us know where you’re joining from. This is a global dialogue, and every perspective adds something valuable.
🌐 You’re welcome to participate in your preferred language – just use the language button at the top right of the page and the platform will translate your post automatically.
📢 Your voices are powerful. Everything shared here will be part of a global synthesis report, set to be shared with world leaders during the 80th UN General Assembly this September. Your input is shaping the future!
Let’s build on the momentum from last week and keep the energy going.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Thank you, Maryam!
I am Zakira, one of your co-moderators this week and I want to start by saying this: If we do not speak, others will speak for us.
This space is an opportunity to challenge the status quo, to demand the future we want, and to put youth voices where they belong, at the centre of global decision-making. Every insight you share here will travel far beyond this platform. It will be carried to world leaders, shaping commitments that will impact our lives for decades.
Share your story, your vision, your demand. What must change for youth everywhere to thrive? what struggles are standing in the way?
Thank you, Maryam, for the introduction! My name is Julia, and I'm excited to co-moderate the second week of our digital #YouthLead Dialogues alongside Zakira and Maryam! Looking forward to participating in such an inspiring discussion.
If you're joining us for the first time, please introduce yourself! If you're returning to the discussion, please feel welcome to share your thoughts on the ideas and reflections that have been added since you last joined.
Zakira One of the major challenges faced by youth today is limited access to opportunities. Although numerous programs exist, participation is often hindered by the high costs of attending conferences or debates. Expenses such as flights, accommodation, and meals create barriers, with many unable to afford them. Providing support for travel and lodging would significantly ease this burden, as food can often be managed by the participants themselves. For example, since the United Nations headquarters is in New York, many young people are unable to attend due to distance and cost. Hosting such events within participants’ local regions would greatly improve accessibility and inclusivity.
Now in order to solve this issue slightly, could we create a WhatsApp group for all of us to share our opinions? I would really love to participate, share my thoughts, and learn from others as we grow together.
“On the other hand, many young people are occupied with school, followed by college and eventually employment, leaving them with little time to travel or engage in opportunities to voice their concerns. Although some aspire to work with the United Nations, they often feel discouraged, as many of these opportunities are unpaid. As a result, they view such roles as non-wage factors and may perceive them as less valuable or unsustainable for their future.”
“Many young people dream of going abroad, but this is often limited by academic requirements and financial challenges such as travel, accommodation, and food costs. Even when full scholarships are available, many students are unaware of where to find them or how to apply, which makes such opportunities less accessible.”
Zakira I have a new idea. I feel like my questions are often ignored, so why don’t we hold a Zoom meeting? This would allow us to communicate back and forth easily. During the meeting, we could share our ideas, record on our own time, and then send the videos to be compiled and posted on social media. By doing this, we could raise awareness, since not everyone here knows about these issues. Meeting online would also be cheaper and more efficient for all of us, as traveling for a physical meeting would be difficult. I believe that by coming together online and sharing ideas, we can reach more people and make a bigger impact.
SEEDS OF CHANGE: WHAT IS STARTING TO SHIFT
1. What ideas, innovations, or changes are already starting now that could bring us closer to the future you just imagined? These could be things you’ve experienced, seen, heard, or dreamed about. They could be led by youth, intergenerational collaborations, communities, governments, or organizations — anything that feels like a step toward that better future
At Sairam Institutions, several initiatives are already creating meaningful shifts toward a better future. Our Innovation Ecosystem ensures that every student project is mapped to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), turning academic ideas into impactful community solutions. Through the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) program, our youth actively participate in local Grama Sabhas to identify real-world problems in villages and design sustainable solutions, supported by funding from IEEE SIGHT and IEEE EPICS in collaboration with local panchayats and NGOs.
The recent launch of the Scouts Rovers and Rangers program builds intergenerational leadership skills and prepares students to address pressing global challenges with resilience and teamwork. Our Scouts online platform further empowers youth to live by the motto “Be Ready for Life” through accessible skill-building resources.
Through the Scouts for SDGs initiative, Sairam Institutions has already contributed 3,846 service hours across 29 service projects, addressing multiple SDGs such as poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, climate action, clean water and sanitation, and sustainable communities.
Together, these initiatives are shifting education from theory to practice, fostering a culture where young people are not only problem-solvers but also active decision-makers shaping a sustainable, inclusive future for their communities and beyond.
Hi MohanRaj! Thank you for your thoughtful response and for providing these inspiring examples of initiatives that promote youth leadership and encourage students to turn their education into real-world action for the SDGs!
What actions you think multilateral organisations or national governments can take right now to support the growth of these efforts and encourage similar initiatives in other communities or countries?
Thanks, Julia! I think one of the biggest ways multilateral organisations and national governments can help is by giving steady funding to youth-led SDG projects and making real-world, community problem-solving a core part of education. Creating space both online and in person, where young people from different places can share ideas and work together would make a huge difference. And if impactful projects were recognised and supported, more students would be inspired to take action. With that kind of backing, the small steps we take locally could truly grow into global change.
Dr.MohanRaj thank you for sharing some inspiring examples of youth turning ideas into impact and naming the need for steady funding, practice-based learning, and spaces for youth exchange from national governments and multilateral organisations.
I have one follow up question which we would really appreciate hearing your reflections on. When you and your peers work on these projects, what are the biggest barriers you run into that slow down or limit your impact? What are those under the surface challenges that, if addressed, would completely change the game for young people in your context? when leading these initiatives, where does momentum slow and why, who are unintentionally left out , and what barrier makes participation costly or unsafe? What would contextual addressing of these barriers look like.
The more we understand the root of these challenges in your context, the better we can make global recommendations that truly help youth-led initiatives succeed.
Zakira
Thanks, Zakira, for this important question. From my experience, the biggest challenge is sustaining momentum after the initial enthusiasm. Once the launch energy fades, limited and irregular funding, delays in approvals, and lack of structured mentorship can slow projects down.
Another barrier is inclusivity, young people from rural areas or low-income backgrounds often get left out because of travel costs, time constraints, or limited internet access. For some initiatives, safety becomes a concern, especially when addressing sensitive issues like gender equality or climate action, where social pushback can happen.
If these could be addressed, through steady micro-grants, easier community-work permissions, stronger mentorship networks, digital access for all, and safe spaces for dialogue, it would empower youth to not just start impactful projects, but sustain and scale them. That’s how small local actions can grow into lasting change.
Hi all, I am Abisola Folorunso, a third year PhD student in the US and these are my ideas:
1.1 I think most youths are looking for balance, not just in work and life, but also in their mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Many are passionate about making a living while doing work that feels meaningful. They also care deeply about issues like climate change, social justice, and equal opportunities, and they want their voices to matter in decisions that shape the future.
1.2 Some barriers come from outdated systems and expectations, e.g. career paths don’t always match the reality of a changing world. Even well-meant advice from older generations can sometimes overlook the pressures young people face today, like high costs of living, student debt, or unstable job markets. Social norms can also make it hard to speak up or take risks without fear of failure or judgment.
2.1 In that future, young people have access to quality education that’s flexible and practical, with no fear of being buried in debt. Jobs are stable and offer space for creativity and growth. Mental health care is as normal and accessible as physical health care. There’s more trust between generations, and young people feel encouraged to lead, try new things, and make mistakes without being written off.
2.2 There’s a strong sense of shared responsibility. Older generations mentor and guide, while learning from the fresh ideas and perspectives of younger ones. Resources like education, healthcare, and housing are affordable and easy to access for everyone, not just a few. Communities are designed to be inclusive with safe spaces to meet, talk, and collaborate across ages and backgrounds. No one is left to figure it out alone.
3.1 I have seen more youth-led community projects, mental health awareness campaigns, and online platforms connecting people to learning and job opportunities. Some organizations are rethinking education to be more skills-based and adaptable. Governments and nonprofits are slowly recognizing the value of young voices in policymaking. These steps may be small, but they are signs that change is possible.
3.2 We can make sure young people aren’t just included as a “symbol” in conversations but are actually given resources, decision-making power, and ongoing support. Whether it’s through funding youth-led initiatives, creating mentorship networks, or ensuring policies reflect their realities, the key is to act now and treat young people as partners, not just the leaders of some distant future.
Thank you
Hi Abisola!
Thank you for your detailed and insightful response! 🙌
I was particularly interested in your point about needing to build intergenerational trust. Could you elaborate on this idea a little more -- how do you think we can achieve this? What steps do different actors need to take to build more trust between generations?
I also completely agree with your point about making sure that youth participation isn't just symbolic or tokenistic, but truly meaningful. What do you think "ongoing support" of youth should look like? I can see you mentioned mentorship networks, I would love to hear more about how you envision such networks to work!
Very excited to hear more of your thoughts 🌟
Julia Anting Wolff
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback!
On building intergenerational trust, I think it starts with creating spaces where genuine two-way communication can happen. Often, young people feel they’re only listened to in settings where decisions have already been made, while older generations sometimes feel their experience isn’t valued. Trust grows when each side can openly share perspectives without fear of being dismissed. For example, community forums like this or joint projects can be designed so that everyone regardless of age contributes ideas and sees them acted on.
Different actors can play a role:
Community leaders and organizations can actively create inclusive events and decision-making spaces where youth and older generations collaborate from the start.
Governments can ensure youth advisory councils have real influence, not just ceremonial roles.
Educational institutions can partner students with older mentors on local projects, so learning is mutual.
On “ongoing support” for youth, I think of it as moving beyond one-off opportunities and building long-term relationships. A strong mentorship network could connect young people with experienced professionals, community elders, or even peers a few steps ahead of them. These mentors wouldn’t just give career advice, they could also share life skills, open networks, and offer encouragement during setbacks. For it to work, there should be:
Regular check-ins rather than a single meeting.
Matching based on shared goals or interests so the connection feels relevant.
Resources and training for mentors to help them understand youth perspectives and challenges. All of which I believe the United Nations is doing at this time.
To me, meaningful participation and trust come when youth feel their voice can shape something, and they know there’s a support system ready to walk alongside them as they put ideas into action.
Abisola Folorunso Thank you for very thoughtfully capturing the aspirations, the structural challanges, and realities facing youth today- the expectation to “do more” and “be engaged” while navigating systemic barriers that can make it nearly impossible to lead the very change young people are called upon to deliver. What you’ve shared about the disconnect between opportunities and the trust, resources, and mental well-being needed to seize them speaks truth to a reality so many experience but rarely articulate so clearly. Reading your vision for a different future for youth moved me so deeply and I share your call for youth to be seen not as symbols, but as genuine partners, with the mentorship, resources, and decision-making power to turn vision into reality. This is such a critical shift if we want to move from rhetoric to real change. I also have two questions that would love to hear your insights on. Thinking about making power-sharing real, what concrete steps, changes, or interventions would need to happen in your context for youth to move from token representation to genuine decision-making influence? What cultural, systemic, or institutional barriers would need to be dismantled first, and where have you seen small shifts or promising approaches that hint at what’s possible?
Zakira
In my context, moving from token representation to genuine influence would require a few key shifts. First, youth involvement has to start at the problem-definition stage, not after plans are already drafted. Too often, young people are invited in to react instead of co-create. Giving youth shared decision-making authority, for example, voting rights in local councils, access to project budgets, or leadership roles in program design would make the power-sharing real. To get there, we would need to dismantle a few barriers like challenging the idea that younger voices are inexperienced by default, and showing that lived experience is just as valuable as formal credentials as well as changing governance structures so youth-led bodies have actual authority, not just advisory roles.
Hi all
Yesterday, at Sairam Institutions, we hosted a youth-led festival to celebrate International Youth Day, bringing together young minds to discuss the challenges faced by youth across the globe. It was such a refreshing experience, everyone shared their thoughts, ideas, and possible solutions with passion and openness. The energy and commitment in the room reminded us how powerful youth voices can be in shaping a better future. Here’s a glimpse of capturing some of those inspiring moments.
This sounds incredible! Thank you for sharing this, and for creating a space where youth voices could be heard. It’s inspiring to hear how much energy, passion, and commitment filled the room, moments like these really show the power of youth to drive meaningful change.
I’d love to hear more about the discussions: were there particular challenges or solutions that stood out to you as especially urgent or promising?
🌍 In celebration of International Youth Day, we Sairam Institutions are proud to announce the launch of the #YouthLead Dialogues — a powerful platform created to amplify young voices, spark meaningful conversations, and drive impact. 💬✨
These dialogues are a key step towards the upcoming #YouthLead Festival, where youth from diverse backgrounds will come together to share ideas, inspire change, and co-create solutions for a better future.
Let’s empower the next generation of changemakers. 💪
Join us in championing youth leadership and innovation!
#SairamInstitutions #SairamEngg #SairamIT #SairamRAISE #SairamEOMS #SairamSAP #YouthLead #InternationalYouthDay #YouthLead #YouthEmpowerment #YouthVoices #Leadership #Innovation #FutureLeaders #TogetherWeCan #TogetherAsOne #DecadeofDelivery
Thank you for amplifying youth voices and create real spaces for collaboration, dialogue and innovation!
Youth is not a time of life. It’s a state of mind, a spark that dares to imagine, create, and change the world✨
August 12th marked International Youth Day,🌍a day when the world pauses to celebrate the voices, dreams, and determination of young people everywhere. As part of the global #YouthLeadDialogue leading up to the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, Sairam Institutions proudly took part in this incredible movement alongside millions worldwide💬
Hello from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. My name is Filip and I am a Serbian-Dutch high school student who has aspirations to have a career at the UN in the future.
1.1 In the last decade many young people have laid a large portion of their priorities on their online image and the way that other people see them on online platforms such as social media. Young people (including myself) dedicate a lot of time to making sure that other people can see that they look cool, impressive or stylish online. A downside to this is that there is an immense pressure on young people to be perfect and do everything perfectly. However, what is this perfect and who decides what is perfect? A ripple effect of everyone doing what other people are doing has removed any uniqueness and individuality within the young community causing everyone to strive towards a unrealistic and exhausting mirage of perfection that no one truly reaches. The immense amount of time that young people dedicate to this is taking away from actual human interaction, school/work and sport/recreational activities that are vital for ones development.
1.2 An excessive amount of dedication to the problem mentioned above can cause and does cause mental instability, depression and even suicide due to constant voices telling young people that they are not good enough for who they are and have to be something they aren’t. As a society we must regulate and alter our online presence to a way that everyone feels welcome. “Influencers” are setting trends that cannot, should not and will not be achieved by a huge majority of the online community. A pause from tiring social media standards or social media in general can help raise the opportunity for self-expression and self-exploration of ones actual and unique identity, not a communal one that people try ever so hard to achieve but get lost along the way.
2.1 In a world where young people can be whoever they want to be and express themselves however they want to express themselves self admiration would skyrocket. Young people lower the amount of time they spend on thinking about what other people think. This would in turn also stop the constant online judging that is present in the online community. Bullying and harassment levels would lower which would improve people’s mental health and the motivation to live a happy life. Young people would allocate more time to enjoying nature, spending time with friends and their education, which again should be balanced with activities that they enjoy and care for.
2.2 In a world where younger and older generations learn to understand each others problems can help to the creation of communal solutions that can benefit everyone. Older generations can help younger people fight mental health problems caused due to social media standards. They can also help create regulations that would stop this problem from occurring. However, any regulations that are implemented have to be co-thought and processed by younger people as it is important that they, the primary users of social media are included in decision that most directly influence them. Not older politicians who have almost no knowledge regarding the topic making all the decisions which is the sad reality that we live in.
3.1 Some younger people have been undertaking social media free days, weeks or sometimes even months. This can help them cool down and bring them back to reality. Unfortunately, almost nothing else is and has been done to try to tackle this problem. Social media platforms are the ones that have the greatest power in this situation. They can introduce stricter and more rigorous regulations regarding online bullying. They can implement stricter punishment for people who involve themselves in these types of activities.
3.2 For example, in Australia the government has implemented regulations that limit people under the age of 16 from using social media. While in my opinion a strict ban isn’t the answer, it is definitely a decision in the right direction. Instead of a full ban a more staggered and inclusive policy making system can be implemented to accommodate everyone’s needs. While some small steps are being made to tackle this issue no concrete solutions are being made which has to change.
Hi Filip, thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed and thoughtful response! 🌟 The issue around social media, especially its negative effects on mental health, is surely something that resonates with many young people.
I completely agree with your point that young people need to be included in a policy-making process that directly influences them! If you had the chance to speak to a policymaker right now -- either on the local, national, or international level -- what policies or regulations on social media would you ask for?
Policies that could help tackle problems with social median vary and don’t apply to everyone. For example, so people might benefit from workshops that teach them how to balance social media with their everyday life. People who abuse their position on social media should be removed with stricter guidelines or even punished on a judicial level so that people understand that it is not justified to bully and abuse others online. Social media platforms can implement stricter age restrictions and age control to prevent younger children from getting negatively involved.
First of all, I thank to everyone. I am Imran Islam from Bangladesh. I am an undergraduate 3rd year student of Doctor of veterinary medicine at Patuakhali Science and Technology University. I am an organizer member of IVSA, PSTU Bangladesh which was arranged 1st and 2nd National One Health Symposium in Bangladesh in 2023(1st) and 2025(2nd) and also former local expro-administrative officer at Exchange programme of IAAS, Bangladesh PSTU. Now I have been participating on Onboarding call of membership programme of YOUNGO- UNFCCC last 1 week ago. I will be an official member within 2 week after Onboarding call session by mailing membership confirmation.
Now, I am talking about Zoonotic issues of Influenza Virus. Globally, influenza results in an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 deaths each year. These figures represent deaths attributed to respiratory illnesses linked to seasonal flu, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The number can fluctuate depending on the severity of the flu season and the specific viral strains circulating.
Influenza is a very big issues all over the world. We should aware properly on influenza virus. It's a story, I am 3rd in DVM degree, I have virology course. teacher taught us about mixing vessel theory of influenza where swine carry the influenza virus then transmit to human as zoonotic way. I was curiously asked to my teacher that is it possible to break the receptor of influenza virus in swine body for the elimination of Influenza virus all over the world?. But I couldn't get proper answer of my question.
So, I come back my hostel searching about influenza on internet. At last I found a new pathway for research that improve the elimination of Influenza virus all over the world.
I am Aafreen Dawood , i am public speaker and a Debater. I have attended different competition together with Model United Nations -Delegate , I look forward to having zoom calls and meeting different people globally !
Hi Aafreen -- thank you for sharing your reflections! 🌎️
I particularly like your point about needing to create safe spaces for youth to express themselves and ask for emotional support. This is absolutely crucial to catching mental health concerns early on and ensuring that people are able to feel assisted.
It seems like you and Filip Kuzmanovic have identified similar issues faced by young people today! I would be super interested to hear your responses to each other. How do you think the issues with social media manifest differently in your two different communities? How are they the same?
I definitely agree with Aafreen, talking more about the problems behind social media can help raise awareness about its issues and limits. However, it is also important to remember that there are positive aspects regarding social media. People from around the world can feel more connected to one another and learn more about each others lives, cultures and experiences which this platform is a perfect example of. It can also help people who don’t enjoy communicating in real life express themselves in a way that they feel comfortable. Additionally, it is also important to remember that pressure to impress someone such as your parents, pressure from school or financial pressure can all have incredibly bad effects on someone. Therefore, it is important for people to learn to balance all of these aspects including social media, not necessarily remove it from their lives.
Julia Anting Wolff Thank you so much for your response
In my community, social media often creates pressure to be perfect, which lowers self-esteem. It is also very addictive, because once you open it and start scrolling, you get absorbed without realizing how much time has passed. Social media wastes a lot of time and makes us less active, taking attention away from studies and personal growth.
Social media also influences people to like, share, snap, and tweet, making it a big part of daily life. It often feels like you’re constantly manipulated to press the like button rather than genuinely engaging. I personally feel that in my community there are more social media issues than in Filip Kuzmanovic
Filip Kuzmanovic Respectfully agreeing on what you said but I would also like to restate my points again and bring attention to the phrases that you wrote :
1) People from around the world can feel more connected to one another and learn more about each others lives, cultures and experiences which this platform is a perfect example of. I strongly believe that chatting with people online is slightly critical you may never know where they come from ,who they are -maybe they are just lying to you ; it can also be a scam , fraud so building relationships online is a crucial, tricky -like a person can lie to your face without you having known about .Considering, In the ancient times there was noting called social media and I believe the interactions were really healthy as you get to meet people face to face -currently people use Chatgpt to simplify their lives now this comes from a robot and not from human-emotion perspective
. 2) It can also help people who don’t enjoy communicating in real life express themselves in a way that they feel comfortable. Noting with approval ,Even for those who feel uncomfortable talking in real life, they still need to develop real-world communication skills, because online interactions can’t fully replace them. While balance is important, I want to stress that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are designed to constantly push you to like, share, and post. This can become addictive and take attention away from real-life learning and experiences. So, while not all social media is bad, the risks and pressures they create are too significant to ignore.
To conclude I would kindly ask for clarification on this statement :it is also important to remember that pressure to impress someone such as your parents, pressure from school or financial pressure can all have incredibly bad effects on someone.
1. Dans un avenir où les obstacles auxquels les jeunes sont confrontés aujourd’hui seraient levés, les jeunes handicapés de ma communauté vivraient dans un environnement inclusif, accessible et stimulant. Ils auraient un accès équitable à une éducation de qualité, avec des supports adaptés et des enseignants formés, leur permettant d’exprimer pleinement leur potentiel. Les infrastructures publiques et privées seraient pensées pour tous, éliminant les barrières physiques et technologiques. Les opportunités d’emploi seraient ouvertes et basées sur les compétences, valorisant la diversité comme une richesse. La participation citoyenne serait réelle : les jeunes handicapés siègeraient aux instances de décision, contribueraient à l’élaboration des politiques et mèneraient des initiatives sociales et économiques. La culture, le sport et les loisirs seraient également accessibles, favorisant l’épanouissement personnel et le sentiment d’appartenance. Dans cet avenir, la société considérerait le handicap non comme une limitation, mais comme une dimension de la diversité humaine, où chaque jeune peut rêver, créer et réussir sans que ses ambitions soient freinées par des barrières injustes.
Greetings, I am Nida Rumana Fatima from Hyderabad, India with NRF as my pen name. I have published a poetry book titled "Nida: The Voice" where most of my poems are about global issues. Coincidentally this platform is all about Young Voices. When 'Youth' is the topic of discussion, I feel "social stereotypes, religious differences, nature and climate, gender discrimination, drug addiction, social media bullying, technology, employment opportunities, practical education, job ready skills, mental health, financial and emotional well being are the main issues to be discussed. Also, youth should be judged based on talent and merit instead of only focusing on experience and age. Youth are future changemakers and young voices speaking up for good must be given a chance! Thankyou.💙
I agree with you, Nida you have highlighted so many important issues. On religious differences, especially in the context of India, it remains a sensitive and complex challenge. Unfortunately, religion is sometimes used as a political tool, creating divisions instead of fostering unity among communities. This is something we must address with dialogue, understanding, and education. Well India will never overcome Caste, Religion in future too.
I also share your views on social stereotypes, gender discrimination, mental health, practical education and job-ready skills. These areas directly affect the growth and empowerment of young people. As you rightly said, judging youth on talent and merit rather than only on age or experience can unlock their full potential. With the right opportunities and inclusive platforms, young voices can truly shape a better future for all
Fatima, I want to talk about a one point in your topics. Specially here, mental health of youth. mental health depend on vital issues. Most one of them is pschycological aspect. All over the world, youth mindset are destroyed because of they are not cleared their positive pschycological vision. We should gain knowledge to progress our mindset with pschycological view. And helps to others progression.
Hi Fatima! Thank you for your reflections! 🌎️
You've highlighted several very important issues. When it comes to these areas that you mentioned (social stereotypes, religious differences, nature and climate, gender discrimination, drug addiction, social media bullying, technology, employment opportunities, practical education, job ready skills, mental health, financial and emotional well being), how do you envision a future where barriers for youth have been removed or transformed? How is this future different from the realities today? And what steps do you already see being implemented that could bring us closer to the envisioned future?
I would love to hear more of your ideas! 🌟 And you're totally right -- youth are changemakers and our voices should definitely be heard, so I'm so glad you're choosing to participate in this Youth Lead Dialogue! 🗣️ Keep up the great work!
Let's explore those two big questions. They are really at the heart of what's being discussed at the highest levels of the UN. Instead of just listing things for you, let's think about them together.
On the Priorities of Today's Youth
Youth today are focused on a lot more than just traditional school and work. We can see global trends pointing toward several key priorities.
* Mental and Physical Health: There's a big focus on well-being and access to reliable health information.
* Access to Quality Education and Skills: This includes both formal schooling and things like digital literacy.
* Climate Action and Environmental Justice: Young people are often at the forefront of this global movement.
* Meaningful Civic Engagement: They want to have a real voice and be part of the decision-making process.
Which of these priorities do you think connects most directly to the work you do with your NGO, BIDEV, in the DRC?
On the Hidden Barriers
The second question is about the less obvious challenges. These aren't usually things like lack of money, but rather ideas or traditions that hold people back without anyone realizing it.
* Outdated Ways of Thinking: The belief that "young people don't have enough experience" can keep them from getting leadership roles.
* Lack of Trust in Youth: Sometimes, older generations don't fully trust youth to make important decisions, even when they're fully capable.
* Digital Misinformation: The overwhelming amount of fake news online makes it hard to find and act on reliable information.
Which of these barriers have you seen firsthand in your community, and how does your project directly
address them?
Hi Patrick! Thank you for your thoughtful reflections!
I find your point about the hidden barriers particularly interesting! I think sometimes exactly these barriers (cultural, tradition or mindset based) can feel hardest to overcome. How do you think communities can address these barriers and bring about a shift in thinking? How can we encourage increased trust in youth? I would be very curious to hear if you've seen any positive examples (seeds of change) of this in your community.
Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts! 🌟
Option 1: To start a debate on misinformation
How can we transform every young person into a guardian of reliable information for their community, using the tools they already have?
Option 2: For a call to action on collaboration
What concrete roles must each generation play to ensure that no youth voice is left behind in the development of our communities?
In this future, people of all generations care for each other through intergenerational solidarity. Elders pass on wisdom, traditions, and emotional support, while younger generations bring new ideas, energy, and technological skills. Care is not seen as the responsibility of one group, but as a shared duty across families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods
I am Imran Islam from Bangladesh.. I want to talk about the Humanitarian work. If is it possible to make food substance like capsule or tablet form then given to civilian under war zone that a same process where the astronaut take capsule in space to gain energy for body. If we make it, we will solve a big problem for civilian.
Hello Everyone, I am Amirah Umar Mohammed from Nigeria and it's really lovely to hear from you all.
As for me, in our today's day and age, we can really see the drastic change with regards to youth being more aware of things because of information being out there. I can see a lot of youth participation in policy making and wanting to contribute to making the world a better place to live in.
On the other hand, we see a vast majority of youth as well being distracted and not putting their skills to good use. I think it's fair to say that as for the youth, we are talking about two sets or groups of people here; those that are putting in the work with the information and awareness at their disposal, and those that are being highly influenced by society - to which the latter falls short of reaching their greatest potential due to so many distractions or lack of people to show them the way.
But that is not the end of the story though. I believe to build the kind of future we desire, i.e youth being more involved in bringing about change and policy making, we have to build trust and educate them in order for them to take charge of their lives, and use the talents and skills they have been blessed with to not only provide for themselves but also contribute to making society and the world a better place.
Hi Amirah -- thank you for your insightful response!
I think you raised a great question about how to get youth more actively engaged in policy and advocacy! 🗣️ Something I've noticed in my community, for example, is that many young people are losing faith in institutions and in their ability to bring about change, which causes them to lose motivation when advocating for the things they believe in. I think the question of how to combat this disillusionment and general apathy among youth is a very important one!
How do you think we can get young people more informed and motivated to participate in political processes and make their voices heard? What can multilateral institutions like the UN do to improve young people's trust and participation? 🌎️
I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts!🌟
Algunos highlights de las charlas virtuales y presenciales llevadas en varias ciudades de Colombia. La tematica de nuestras charlas fueron "ARTE, CIENCIA Y PAZ - Un futuro para todos"
What do you think young people are prioritizing today
- Los jovenes esta priorizando el tiempo que pasan en redes sociales y las cosas que pueden mostrar a travez de ellas pero muchas veces para aparentar y compararse con otros.
- Los jovenes estan priorizando la inteligencia artificial en vez de pasar tiempo con otras personas y en la naturaleza.
-Los jovenes priorizan las cosas superficiales para sentirse aceptados por otros.
- Los jovenes estan priorizando en elegir profesiones que garanticen mayor recursos y dinero en vez de las pasiones o hobbies que les gustan.
- Ser productivos en vez de ser felices.
-El dinero en vez de la familia.
-Las cosas que se obtienen de forma inmediata y no el trabajo lento que aporta mas a la sociedad ya que no es valorado.
What barriers do you think hold young people back from reaching their full potential, even when it’s well-intentioned or seen as “just the way things are”?
- Depende mucho del contexto en el que viven limita la calidad y cantidad de posibilidades para desarrollar su total potencial y eso hace parte tambien de la brecha socio economica.
- Quizas no tener ejemplos a seguir de su mismo origen y etnia hace que muchos jovenes pensemos que no es algo hecho para nosotros y no pertenecemos a esos sueños.
-El no tener acceso a becas o recursos economicos y tener que lidiar muchas veces con el juicio de la propia familia.
- La salud mental que ha sido afectada profundamente y no hay sistemas que respalden en los momentos de crisis de los jovenes en momento determinantes.
Imagine a future where the barriers young people face today have been removed or transformed. What is life like for young people in your community?Maye Aroca: Creo seria un futuro con oportunidades de seguir los sueños y un mundo donde no habria tanta rabia, tanta ira y tanta envidia porque no seria una competencia con otros y no se sentiria tanta rabia y envidia con el projimo.
Alejandro: Seria un mundo donde todos podriamos caminar tranquilos en las calles y saber que hay un sistema que nos cumple.
Evelyn: Seria un mundo con oportunidades para todos por igual y lleno de armonia.
How do people of all generations care for and support each other? What is different about how your community makes sure every young person can learn, stay healthy, and feel well, no matter the challenges they face
Linda Orjuela: La diferencia es que crecimos con contacto con la naturaleza y eso hizo que estuvieramos viviendo mas en el presente, los niños de ahora vive ansiosos porque pasan la mayor parte de su vida en una realidad virtual y no en la realidad real.
Liliana Merchan: Los niños no salen de la casa y estan todo el tiempo en pantallas viendo videos que dañan su capacidad de racionalizar.
Edgar Aroca: En el escenario de apoyarnos en varios generaciones es importante el dialogo y estar con la mente abierta al cambio de nuevos paradigmas y motivar los jovenes desde sus propias casas y familias.
-Financiando las ideas de los jovenes lideres.
-Creando mas espacios como estos en todo el mundo.
-Apoyando la salud menta y divulgacion del arte y ciencia.
La mayor parte de asistentes a estas charlas mostraron gran entusiasmo y agradecimiento por la oficina de juventud de la ONU por incentivar y abrir estos puentes y posibilidades de dialogos con comunidades que haz sido excluidas de las conversaciones y toma de decisiones globales.
PDT: Con los videos y fotografias recolectados en las charlas al igual que la data, se hará un video para Youtube y redes sociales y asi poder socializar y continuar con la conversacion. Que sea una semilla para muchas futuras mesas de Dialogo. Gracias a Felipe Paullier, los lideres de este foro y todos quienes han sumado esfuerzos para hacer el Youth Lead Festival Posible. Muchas gracias.
Cordialmente,
Diana Aponte.
La temática de nuestras charlas fueron "ARTE, CIENCIA Y PAZ - Un futuro para todos". Algunos highlights de las charlas virtuales y presenciales llevadas en varias ciudades de Colombia.
La mayor parte de jóvenes y asistentes a estas charlas mostraron gran entusiasmo y agradecimiento por la oficina de juventud de la ONU por incentivar y abrir estos puentes y posibilidades de diálogos con comunidades que haz sido excluidas de las conversaciones y toma de decisiones globales.
PDT: Con los videos y fotografias recolectados en las charlas al igual que la data, se hará un video para Youtube y redes sociales y asi poder socializar y continuar con la conversacion. Que sea una semilla para muchas futuras mesas de Dialogo. Gracias a Felipe Paullier, los lideres de este foro y todos quienes han sumado esfuerzos para hacer el Youth Lead Festival Posible. Muchas gracias.
Cordialmente,
Diana Aponte.
"ARTE, CIENCIA Y PAZ - Un futuro para todos". Algunos highlights de las charlas presenciales llevadas en varias ciudades de Colombia.
Thank you, Diana, for sharing these rich reflections from the Youth Lead Festival. It’s inspiring to see how young people in Colombia are thinking critically about their priorities, the barriers they face, and the future they hope to create. Thank you for highlighting the tension between the digital world and real-life experiences, the concern that youth are spending more time on screens, comparing themselves to others, and prioritizing immediate gains over deeper fulfillment. At the same time, it’s clear that young people recognize the importance of meaningful connections, harmony, and safety in their communities, as Alejandro and Evelyn described, and the value of intergenerational support, as Linda, Liliana, and Edgar emphasized.What I find especially powerful is how the participants are connecting individual well-being, mental health, and the pursuit of passions to broader systemic conditions, highlighting socio-economic gaps, lack of role models, and limited resources as barriers to realizing potential. Their reflections underscore that addressing these challenges requires more than individual effort; it calls for structural changes in education, community spaces, and social support systems, as well as opportunities for young people to actively shape those changes.
One point I’d love to hear more about is how these insights might translate into concrete actions: what kinds of programs, policies, or spaces do you think could best support young people in reclaiming time for real-world experiences, fostering creativity and curiosity, and ensuring their voices and leadership are meaningfully included in community and national decision-making?
Thank you again for sharing these reflections and for the efforts of everyone who made these dialogues possible, they show how much potential there is when young people are seen, heard, and supported.
Investissons dans la jeunesse !
Formons des jeunes créatifs, des entrepreneurs, des visionnaires !
Aidons les jeunes à pouvoir développer leurs capacités et leurs potentiels !
My name is Mary Oloyede. I recently completed my master's degree in curriculum and Instruction, and I am excited to participate in this dialogue, which will be instrumental in making informed decisions that promote and enhance the world.
1. Youths today are mostly associated with the term Gen Z. Hence, this set of people has created and shown some of the things that are highly paramount to them. These include:
- Mental health: The youths are beginning to care about their mental health, as they face issues of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and stress.
- Financial stability: Young people are prioritizing financial stability today as they begin to think about things they could engage in to make money. For instance, the creation of content on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Economic development and sustainability: So many youths are beginning to think about the relevance of the United Nations 2030 agenda as they begin to see the vision as a shared vision. So many people are beginning to establish initiatives tailored to educational equality and climate sustainability.
2. When it is well-intentioned, the major barrier that can hold young people back from reaching their full potential is their approach to solving global problems. Also, young people lack mentorship sometimes, which makes a difference in how best a person can function.
THE FUTURE WE WANT
1. Life will become easier, and instead of going through trial and error, when the system creates a scaffolded approach to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving, youths will be able to think and collaborate to make the community a better place. I think this is the reason for the incorporation of STEM designs and engineering in the K-12 educational system today.
2. People of all generations care for and support each other through:
- Mentorship and knowledge transfer: Older adults, who have a multi-faceted plethora of experiences, can act as valuable mentors by sharing practical guidance with younger ones.
-Creation and establishment of community hubs that support and empower the dwellers of such a community. In a smaller community, meetings can be held quarterly to deliberate and make informed decisions on how to make the community a better place for the coming generations.
SEEDS OF CHANGE
The ideas and innovations that are already starting are Youth-led climate action movements and an intergenerational collaboration, such as the platform created by the SparkBlue organization. Global cooperation is setting frameworks for equity and equality, like the United Nations' SDGs, etc.
The committee of the United Nations and international bodies can creates an innovation accelerator for social change. This can be in the form of giving micro-grants, mentorship, and global visibility to youth/community projects.
Thank you, Mary, for raising such important dimensions of youth realities, from mental health to financial stability to sustainability and sharing your vision and demands for a different future. If I may ask you one further question: From your perspective, what structural or systemic changes would most directly ease the pressures young people face today, while also enabling them to sustain their leadership in areas such as climate action and social innovation?
Hi, I'm Ayushmaan, and I'm a Content Executive at the Menstrual Equity Initiative (MEI). We're a UN-accredited organization dedicated to spreading awareness about menstrual health, and lobbying for more equitable policy. I thought I'd share our thoughts on these questions:
Question 1
Young people today are prioritizing a variety of pertinent and just causes, such as climate action, equity, and sustainability, recognizing that their future depends on urgent solutions to these challenges. Mental health and well-being have also become central, as rising pressures from education, social expectations, and global instability take a toll on our generation. At the same time, equity in education and digital access remain key demands, since opportunity is increasingly tied to technology access. Finally, gender equality and inclusion are priorities, with young people calling for meaningful roles in decision-making. Menstrual equity exemplifies this broader vision: tackling stigma and period poverty reflects how youth are pushing for fairness, dignity, and representation. These priorities reflect not just incremental progress, but the pursuit of real change, where systemic inequities are dismantled, and young people are empowered to create a more just and sustainable future.
Question 2
Youth face cultural and structural barriers that prevent them from fully realizing their potential. Social stigma often silences conversations about issues deemed “too mature,” such as mental health or menstruation, leaving young people without necessary support. Financial barriers and lack of resources also disproportionately limit access to opportunities. Even when youth are invited into decision-making spaces, they are frequently tokenized: given visibility without real influence. Deeply embedded cultural norms reinforce the exclusion of youth voices, normalizing the idea that young people must wait their turn. Unequal access to technology and healthcare further widens the gap between those who can participate and those who cannot. Menstrual equity highlights this dynamic; when students cannot afford or access menstrual products, they are often forced to miss school, creating a cycle of disadvantage that reflects broader systemic inequities faced by young people globally.
Question 3
A world that eradicates the barriers that youth face would allow such a generation to thrive. From existing barriers to education, health, or voices, this would open a life where youth perspectives are constantly represented. I can imagine my community no longer being silenced by stigma, demeaning them to be “uneducated” or not "knowledgeable" enough. Conversations regarding topics such as menstrual equity or mental health are honest and engaging, when once they never were. Additionally, within these conversations, this generation is able to be provided with resources to take action on issues directly concerning them. For example, young people see period poverty as a huge crisis in their community, and are immediately given the support and resources needed to tackle the issue. What’s important to acknowledge in the future is that this group's potential is shown and acknowledged by the world. This future calls for an inclusive atmosphere for young people to feel supported in helping make this planet a better place.
Question 4
People of all ages and backgrounds care for each other by actively using their voices to speak on health, rights, and justice, sharing stories that bridge age and experience. Issues like menstrual equity, long tied to women’s rights, transcend generations to form a unique community where people's struggles are seen and heard. What is special is the renewed energy of young people, utilizing their voices to advocate for change, whether it be for menstrual equity or mental health advocacy, inspiring older generations to act alongside them. Our community ensures every young person can learn, stay healthy, and feel well by pairing them with mentors who provide guidance, whether through initiatives like the Menstrual Equity Initiative or congressional internships. At the same time, inclusive policymaking ensures youth perspectives are embedded in decisions that affect their lives, as modeled by the UNFCCC Global Youth Statement. Together, these efforts uphold the key principles of wellness, learning, and justice for the future.
Question 5
Today’s youth are raising their voices with innovative ideas that bring us closer to a future defined by youth empowerment and intergenerational collaboration. Platforms like the ECOSOC Youth Forum, HLPF, and UNGA ensure that young people have a seat at the table during pivotal global decision-making - critical, since the issues debated shape their futures. With rising opportunities for youth to learn from professionals, with various mentorship programs, young leaders emerge who feel a motivation to act within their communities and beyond. Already, tens of thousands of young leaders around the world are leading nonprofit organizations tackling some of the biggest issues today, from menstrual equity to educational equity, proving they will not merely be participants but drivers of change. These leaders, like Greta Thunberg, have a lasting commitment to enduring issues, demonstrating that youth advocacy can ignite global movements and demand accountability on overlooked issues. As a whole, these efforts reveal that youth engagement is no longer as much of a distant dream as a soon-to-be reality that seeks to further our society's commitment to justice and equity for all.
Question 6
A crucial step is to provide young people with more than symbolic involvement by giving them real power in shaping decisions that affect their futures. Governments, institutions, and the United Nations can expand funding to youth-led organizations and build partnerships where youth input carries visible weight. Examples of the UN youth representation already exist, of course. For example, the ECOSOC Youth Forum, or the MGCY. But these need to be given increased weight, funding, and attention, in addition to new initiatives. At the same time, young people themselves should start focusing on solving problems within their own communities and building coalitions to scale those solutions. At MEI, we exemplify this approach by tackling menstrual equity; we aim to shift it from a stigmatized private matter to a public conversation of cultural stigma and rights. By resourcing and amplifying youth leadership in this way, we can ensure our ideas lead to systemic change rather than remaining isolated projects.
Thank you so much, Ayushmaan, for taking the time to reflect and put your thoughts in such a nuanced and thoughtful way into words. I really appreciate how you’ve highlighted that youth are already leading and pushing for real systemic change, which makes it all the more important that they are given meaningful leadership positions rather than being treated as tokens. Thank you for noting the structural barriers facing youth, the social stigma, financial constraints, tokenism, and unequal access to resources like healthcare, that prevent young people from fully realizing their potential and having the space to make their work have a big impact. Your vision for a future where youth voices are recognized and empowered is inspiring.
Building on this, I’d love to hear your perspective on the next step: how do you see these challenges being addressed? In other words, what specific structural or systemic reforms would allow young people’s potential to be fully realized, ensure they are not tokenized, and create spaces where they can meaningfully lead? I know this is a broad question, but even a few concrete ways you envision systems being reformed would be incredibly insightful.
Hello, am Miriam from Tanzania. I recently completed my highschool education and am realy glad to join in here.
Qn 1.
Young people priotize more on social media, and this is from both experience and reality. Whenever you find a young person in todays world is either having a phone, a laptop, ipad or anyform that can make them be on social media. And thats thats whats many young people priotize more.
Q 2.
Young people are hold behind by letting their brain being more braiwashed with the social media, actually now days everything is on social media starting from school life to social life is veing hold by social medias. But the way young people use the social media is in a wrong and different way, not all youth have good knowledge about social medias and how to use them and so those who got little knowldege or just let them be addicted to it are hold back from reaching their full potential.
Example, a young person might be using social media in such a way that they even forget that they have homeworks or house chores to do. And this is what called hold back by social medias from reaching their full potential. Because it might also be office works or important things that can make them grow.
WHAT I ADVICE:
Education cobcerning the proper usage of these social media to be given to all young people in the world and this can only be done by helding out regional concerts or using the social media itself to educate them and understand it.
hello Miriam , If you don't mind how did you know about youth dialogues ?
Hi @MaddyCorson, @KiriGinnerup, @BiancaHerzog, @MaryamPandi, @MarthaBarreneche, and @KateMallory 🌸 👋
I just want to take a moment to appreciate the great work you all are doing to guide this community.🙂 It’s really inspiring to see how this space is managed.
I also had a small idea I wanted to share. I was thinking it could be very helpful if we start sharing details of all upcoming events and meetings (both fully funded and not fully funded) here in the group. This way, members can easily find opportunities in one place and it will add more value to the community.
I would love to get your kind guidance on this. Since you all understand the group much better, your insights will help make this possible in the right way.