Young people are key drivers of positive change and essential partners to advance sustainable and inclusive development.
There are over 1.8 billion young people in the world today, 90% of whom live in developing countries. In Africa alone, three-quarters of the population is below 35.
Nearly all policy decisions have an impact on youth. It is therefore fundamental to ensure that young people’s perspectives are taken into consideration in those decisions.
However, despite the clear benefits of engaging with children and youth, they are often excluded from political, economic and social decision-making processes on issues that affect them and their future. Girls and young women, and young people with disabilities, are particularly disadvantaged, further exacerbating inequalities.
Youth should be at the centre of everything we do - this is fundamental to build stronger, more legitimate, inclusive, peaceful and democratic societies, where human rights and the rule of law are respected. This is clearly recognised in the Council Conclusions on Youth in External Action, the European Consensus on Development and in the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024.
Programmes and initiatives
The EU supports partner countries to review and design policies to promote young people’s well-being and rights, and facilitate their inclusion in social, civic and economic life.
The Youth Sounding Board is a space for young people to have an influence on EU external action and international partnerships.
The Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA) is a flagship initiative that empowers young people to become leaders and agents of change. It focuses on equipping them with the skills, opportunities, and networks needed to shape their future and strengthen ties between Africa and Europe.
The network increases the ties between young people living in Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) and the EU, and enhances the knowledge and involvement of young people in the EU-OCT partnership.
The EU Youth Empowerment Fund will provide and facilitate access to vital resources for young people to contribute to the sustainable development of their local communities and societies in EU partner countries.
The Youth Democracy Cohort brings together governments, civil society, and the private sector to advance good governance, youth political and civic engagement around the world.
This programme engages European youth in addressing global challenges through development education and awareness raising actions ('DEAR').
In 4 U-Report polls run in Africa and Europe, 450,000 young people between the ages of 14 and 35 voiced their views on key topics that affect their future.
A toolkit created to enhance the impact of young people to shape EU international partnerships through effective use of foresight tools. The toolkit aims to empower young voices to influence strategies, programmes and initiatives for better futures.
Latest news
The Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event taking place today and tomorrow in Brussels highlights the transformational impact of the EU’s commitment to invest in and partner with young people around the world as part of the Global Gateway strategy.
The EU is demonstrating its attachment to multilateralism and engagement with young people in the framework of the Youth Action Plan in EU External Action, announcing a contribution of €1 million to the UN Youth Office established in December 2023.
Today at the Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education in Brussels, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen launched new regional programmes boosting youth mobility and skills in Africa.
Related stories
'Europa con Vos' Youth Festival celebrates young artists in El Salvador
Activists in Mozambique are making an effort to ensure girls have the right to continue their studies to protect them from child marriage. This is done in the framework of Spotlight Initiative, a strategic partnership between the EU and the UN.
Thanks to the Em Vui platform, adolescents are informed on the risks of human trafficking and equiped with necessary knowledge and skills for prevention and rescue.