With over half the world’s population under 30, young people should be shaping the future more than ever. Yet, they remain starkly underrepresented in decision-making – only about 2.8% of parliamentarians worldwide being under 30. This International Youth Day is a reminder that for youth to create lasting change, they need the tools, trust, and genuine opportunities to lead.
Youth Localizing the SDGs
The theme of International Youth Day (IYD) 2025, Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond, highlights the unique role of youth in translating global ambitions into community-driven realities. As development partners work to translate and implement the global goals within specific local contexts, aligning them with community needs while maintaining consistency with national and international commitments, young people are critical partners. They bring creativity, insight, and deep community ties that help bridge the gap between policy and practice. With over 65 per cent of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth engagement is not a luxury—it is a necessity.
