International Youth Council and World Union of Young Unionists Sign Collaboration Protocol to Advance Global Representation of Young Public Servants

The International Youth Council (IYC), a civil society organisation holding Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has formalised a new strategic partnership with the World Union of Young Unionists (WAYTU), following a four-day official visit by IYC Chief Executive Officer H.E. Eng. Sadham Dhikran Zarjahan to WAYTU’s headquarters in Ankara from 28 to 31 August 2026.

The visit opened with an Official Protocol and Signing Ceremony and continued with substantive discussions between the two organisations on the international representation of young public servants, public diplomacy, and cross-border labour solidarity. Delegates addressed a shared agenda that included increasing the visibility of young unionists within global decision-making mechanisms, developing joint training and capacity-building programmes, coordinating a unified voice for young public servants in international forums, and building an institutional network capable of carrying the labour movement’s advocacy beyond national borders.

The discussions culminated in the signing of a formal Collaboration Protocol between WAYTU and IYC — a strategic instrument that elevates the rights advocacy of young public workers to the international level, institutionalises the exchange of experience between the two organisations, and unites their respective strengths in global youth and union diplomacy.

A Shared Voice for the Next Generation of Public Servants

WAYTU, established in Astana under the vision of its General President, Mr. Osman Kaya, has through this protocol extended its voice into Europe and the wider international youth movement. The partnership is designed to strengthen the universal representation of young public servants, translate solidarity into concrete joint action, and give clearer international definition to the next generation of trade unionism.

“This protocol represents far more than an agreement between two organisations,” said H.E. Sadham Dhikran Zarjahan, CEO of the International Youth Council. “It is a statement that the struggles of young public servants – for recognition, for representation, and for a genuine seat at the decision-making table – do not stop at any border. On behalf of the International Youth Council, I want to thank the WAYTU leadership and team for their exceptional hospitality throughout our visit, from the Signing Ceremony to the rich cultural programme they so generously arranged for us in Ankara. Every detail reflected the professionalism and generosity of the WAYTU family.”

Building Toward Concrete, Joint Outcomes

Building on the momentum of the Ankara discussions, IYC and WAYTU have identified several priority areas for near-term collaboration, including:

• Exploring intake, curriculum design, and co-development opportunities under the WAYTU Academy, with a view to engaging IYC’s academic partners and the global network of young professionals across UN Member States;

• Contributing IYC’s diplomatic training experience to the International Representation and Public Diplomacy Laboratory;

• Connecting IYC’s network of young entrepreneurs and social innovators with Türkiye’s government-led trade and investment support programmes; and

• Co-designing joint training programmes in youth leadership development, public administration and diplomatic capacity-building, artificial intelligence and the future of work, and broader professional development.

The Collaboration reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to inclusive, sustainable youth development and to the principles of international cooperation embodied in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — in particular SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The International Youth Council looks forward to a long and impactful partnership with the World Union of Young Unionists, and to translating the goodwill of this visit into concrete, jointly delivered outcomes for young public servants worldwide.

About the International Youth Council (IYC)

Founded at the Youth Assembly at the United Nations in 2007, the International Youth Council holds Special Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC and serves as a global platform through which young people build a unified voice and take collective action toward social, economic, and environmental progress.

About the World Union of Young Unionists (WAYTU)

Established in Astana, WAYTU represents the voice of young public servants and unionists, advancing their rights, visibility, and international representation.