International Youth Day
Celebrating young people who are actively shaping the future through policy, thought leadership, entrepreneurship, and community innovation.
Across Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada, young people are leading the way toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. International Youth Day is an opportunity to recognize, invest in, and amplify youth-led initiatives that are transforming lives and strengthening communities.
Under the 2026 theme "Deepening Youth Partnerships for Impact," we celebrate young people as leaders today, not just leaders of tomorrow. They are building livelihoods, addressing local challenges, and advancing inclusion to ensure that no one is left behind. Deepening youth partnerships means moving beyond listening to young people. It requires meaningful collaboration and shared leadership, where youth are co-creators, decision-makers, and equal partners in shaping solutions. Their lived experiences, perspectives, and aspirations are essential to developing lasting change.
Join the conversation by using the hashtag #DeepeningYouthPartnerships.
Youth Leadership in Africa: Four Young Leaders on Opportunity, Inclusion, and Change
Meet the Young Leaders Driving Change
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From Grassroots to Impact
Learn more about Soko KijijiSoko Kijiji, a youth-led enterprise in Kenya, is empowering Mama Mboga to grow their businesses through digital innovation, expanded market access, and entrepreneurship training.
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Seeking Solutions for his Community
Read Esau's storyEsau Higenyi is in his second year of studies to become an agricultural engineer, but he is already working to help the people of his community.
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How to Revolutionize Food Production
Read Melissa's storyMelissa Haringwi Moyo's story is proof that, with effort and perseverance, even the biggest dreams can flourish.
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Adja Boudy Kanté
Read Adja's letterYoung People Are the Heart of Africa’s Food Revolution.
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Growing Futures: Education For Africa's Agricultural Revolution
Learn about the TAG Dev AlumniThe program aims to expand opportunities for young people through higher education and practical agricultural training.
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Three Refugee Youth Leaders Driving Inclusion and Policy Change
Read about their workLearn about what fuels their work, and what policies and systems need to shift to unlock greater opportunity for refugee and displaced youth.
Empowering Indigenous Youth Voices
Indigenous Youth Roots engaged over 1,100 First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth across Canada for their Indigenous Youth Reconciliation Barometer report, which provides an in-depth look at how Indigenous youth envision their futures through themes of culture, wellness, education, meaningful work, solidarity, and reconciliation.
