Young people

Youth

Because Youth Matter

UNESCO with, by and for youth

According to the World Youth Report (2020), there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years, accounting for 16 per cent of the global population.

Youth is a priority group for UNESCO. Recognizing their creativity, innovation and capacity to make change happen in the world, we firmly believe that young people are crucial actors, leaders, and partners. UNESCO is committed to accompany them in fighting inequality, contributing to sustainable development and building peace.

For over 20 years, we have been working with thousands of young people worldwide by establishing and supporting youth-led initiatives and networks, strengthening youth capacities, fostering their knowledge production, and creating dialogue spaces between youth, policymakers and other partners. We have also been actively and meaningfully engaging youth in our programmes in all of UNESCO’s field of competence, from design to implementation and follow-up.

Young people embody hope for better, innovative, and more effective solutions to the world’s challenges! UNESCO is working actively to ensure that their voices are heard because they matter.

Participants at the 11th Youth Forum
TEST_Youth banner_not to use

Supporting youth in changing the world

UNESCO Youth Forum
Youth As Researchers
Global Youth Community
Youth Climate Action Network
Meaningful Youth Engagement
Master Class Series against Racism and Discriminations
International Youth Day
Global Youth Grant Scheme
UNESCO with, by and for youth

Publications

Because youth perspectives matter: UNESCO toolbox for youth policy and programming
UNESCO
2023
0000387755
Global policy brief - Youth as researchers: exploring the impact of COVID-19 on youth.
UNESCO
2022
UNESCO
0000381506
Youth and water security in Africa
Inyang, Hilary I.
UNESCO Office Nairobi and Regional Bureau for Science in Africa
2022
UNESCO
0000381511
Literacy and life skills assessment of Syrian youth (2021): summary report
UNESCO Office Beirut and Regional Bureau for Education in the Arab States
2022
UNESCO
0000381930

Resources

Conclusions of the Youth Forum
UNESCO. General Conference
22 November 2021
UNESCO
0000379931
UNESCO operational strategy on youth 2014-2021
2014
0000227150