Many of us heard similar responses when we expressed our desire to make the world a better place as we were growing up: “When I was younger, I was an idealist, too.” or "Once you grow older, you'll see the world is complex and change is difficult to make." These sentiments often underestimate and dismiss the potential, drive, motivation, and wisdom of young people. Yet, it is precisely their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that are crucial for addressing global challenges and creating positive impact.
Youth as Leaders of Change
Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leading today. Their involvement in communities and global movements has been crucial in addressing pressing issues such as climate change, social justice, and quality education. Young advocates for social justice have spotlighted systemic inequalities and mobilized their communities to raise awareness and take action. This demonstrates that youth are not passive recipients of the world’s challenges; they are active problem solvers and agents of change.
Insights from the Youth Ambassador Programme by HundrED
The Youth Ambassador Programme by HundrED in partnership with IBO and the Festival of Hope exemplifies the transformative power of supporting young leaders. This programme empowers youth from around the world to develop their leadership and intercultural skills while contributing to projects that address both local and global challenges. Supported by mentorship and resources, many of these initiatives have not only benefited their immediate communities but also provided scalable models for broader impact. Some Youth Ambassadors have expanded existing initiatives, others have launched new ones in collaboration with their peers, and many have offered their time and feedback to help these projects succeed.
Among the Youth Ambassadors are Inayaa from Bangladesh, who developed the Rising Minds Initiative to provide marginalized youth with educational resources; Ahmad from Afghanistan, who addresses literacy through the Buddha Education project; and Anastasiia from Ukraine, who is working to reduce plastic waste through the Eco&DAS initiative.
Making Every Day a Youth Day
While International Youth Day is a special occasion to celebrate and recognise youth, our commitment to empowering young people should extend beyond just one day. To truly support youth as the leaders of today and tomorrow, we invite you to consider the following:
- Actively listen to the ideas and concerns of the young people in your life.
- Include them in decision-making processes, especially when decisions will impact them directly.
- Trust their ability to lead and create change. Provide them with the guidance they need to succeed.
By making these efforts, we can ensure that every day is a day to uplift and support the youth in a meaningful way.
