International Youth Council

Youth-Led Community Innovations: Driving SDG progress from the ground up

sadham — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 23:05:01 +0000

Youth-Led Community Innovations: Driving SDG progress from the ground up

Highlights from International Youth Day – IYC:

On August 12th, the International Youth Council (IYC) hosted a webinar in celebration of International Youth Day, emphasizing the critical role of youth-led action in achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event highlighted that genuine progress relies on empowering young people today, rather than waiting for future generations.

Keynote speakers and panelists showcased how young visionaries are already designing solutions, driving projects, and transforming communities. Youth innovation and courage are not distant hopes—they are active realities across the globe.

The webinar spotlighted the power of youth-led grassroots initiatives. Discussions highlighted how local actions enable tailored solutions that directly meet community needs, from bridging educational gaps with technology to launching environmental sustainability projects.

Special attention was given to the Global South, where youth often face limited access to resources, decision-making spaces, education, and employment. Through targeted support, AI and digital literacy training, and genuine partnerships, these young changemakers can lead innovations with impact far beyond their local communities.

Speakers emphasized that lasting progress does not always require sweeping reforms. Small acts—teaching a child, supporting a local organization, or fostering cross-cultural connections—can create ripples of positive change. An example is IYC’s Tiny Hands Initiative, which connects volunteers with vetted schools and orphanages for direct, meaningful impact.

Panel discussions also explored how technology and sports amplify youth voices, promote inclusion, and foster justice. Initiatives like Kalimat Palestina provide educational technology and organize community sports in conflict-affected regions, addressing both physical and emotional needs.

Inclusive engagement was a recurring theme. Ensuring marginalized groups have a voice strengthens the sustainability of youth initiatives and reinforces the principle that every perspective—regardless of gender, ability, or background—matters.

Private sector and institutional support were highlighted as key to scaling youth initiatives. Flexible funding, technical guidance, and participation in international forums such as the UN General Assembly and COP conferences can elevate local projects to global sustainable models. Embedding youth voices at all levels of governance ensures lasting outcomes.

The webinar concluded with a call to action: youth worldwide are not just imagining a better future—they are actively building it. Decision-makers, organizations, and society must support, resource, and champion youth-led action to extend the spirit of International Youth Day beyond a single date.

Leadership, as emphasized throughout the webinar, is defined by courage, clarity, and responsiveness—not by age. The IYC event reaffirmed that the time for youth-powered change is now, driven by bold innovation and the steady work of local heroes everywhere.

You can watch the full webinar recording on our YouTube channel .

Written by: Urwa Naveed

Duration

Start date : 12.8.2025

Completed Date : 12.8.2025

Location(s)

Remote \Live Stream.

IYC Focal Area(s)

Creating Sustainable Societies.

Leadership of the Project

IYCHQ and IYCKSA.

Strategic Partnerships

YCHQ, IYC KSA, IYC Argentina, IYC Sri Lanka, IYC Yemen.

SDG Number

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Interfaith Dialogue for Human Dignity and Justice

sadham — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 02:36:47 +0000

Interfaith Dialogue for Human Dignity and Justice

Project Description

We extend our sincere appreciation to the distinguished panelists and moderator whose insights deeply enriched the Dignity Conference in Sri Lanka. A special thanks to Shkak Kareem Ahmed, Project Associate at the International Youth Council Headquarters (IYCHQ), for moderating the panel with both depth and empathy. We are especially grateful to the panelists for sharing their valuable perspectives on faith, human dignity, gender-based violence, and Indigenous rights:

Rev. Asiri P. Perera Retired President Bishop, Methodist Church Sri Lanka
Sheikh Umair Yoosuf Board Secretary – Zamzam Foundation Founder & Head of Strategy – Menta Media & Synch Labs
Professor Ranjith Bandara Emeritus Professor of Economics, University of Colombo Chairman, Kirula Foundation
Darshaka Sharma Kurukkal Chief Hindu Priest, Consultant on Religious Affairs – Universal Human Rights Organisation Sri Lanka Chief Priest – All Ceylon Hindu Congress

Your contributions helped foster a meaningful space for dialogue, learning, and collective reflection.

Thank you for your commitment to advancing dignity and justice for all.

Duration

Start date : 8.07.2025

Completed Date : 10.07.2025

Location(s)

Colombo, Sri Lanka

IYC Focal Area(s)

Improving Physical, Mental and Social Well-being

Leadership of the Project

IYC Headquarters

Strategic Partnerships

International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES) Colombo.

SDG Number

5,10,16

Strategic Goals:

Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels .

Fast Facts:

Challenges

Promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice at national and international levels.

Addressing complex issues of faith, human dignity, gender-based violence, and Indigenous rights.

Solutions

Moderated panel discussions fostered cross-faith and interdisciplinary exchanges on these challenges.

Emphasis on promoting inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making processes.

Benefits and Impact

Raised awareness on ending abuse, trafficking, and violence against children.

Enhanced understanding of human dignity issues among stakeholders across faiths and sectors.

Created a meaningful space for continuous dialogue toward inclusive, tolerant, and peaceful societies.

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Bare Face Campaign 2023

sadham — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:50:36 +0000

Bare Face Campaign 2023

Project ID: IYC/HQ/2022/01

Project Description

On International Women's Day, March 8th, 2023, the IYC and Miss England bare-face winner 22 Melisa Raouf launched a bare-face campaign. The "Bare Face Campaign" was launched to encourage people to accept themselves without makeup or filters. The campaign's purpose is to challenge social beauty norms and empower people to feel confident in their own way. The Bare Face Campaign aims to highlight the beauty of flaws and promote self-acceptance. It inspires them to proudly reveal their natural features, such as freckles, scars, or blemishes, rather than conceal them with makeup. This campaign served as a platform for open conversations about self-esteem, encouraging people especially women to support one another on their journey to acceptance.

Duration

Start date : 08.03.2023

Completed Date : 08.03.2023

Location(s)

Online

IYC Focal Area(s)

Improving Physical, Mental and Social Well-being

Leadership of the Project

IYC Headquarters

IYC Sri Lanka

Strategic Partnerships

SDG Number

Strategic Goals:

Promoting body positivity: Encouraging people to appreciate their natural characteristics and feel confident in their own way, regardless of society's beauty standards or expectations.

Challenging unrealistic beauty ideals: raising awareness about the pressures placed on individuals, particularly women, to conform to false beauty standards.

Individual empowerment: Inspiring people to embrace themselves as they are, developing self-esteem, and promoting self-expression.

Advocating for inclusivity: emphasising diversity in beauty and emphasising that everyone is gorgeous in their own unique way.

Fast Facts:

Challenges

This movement represents a great advancement in defying established beauty norms and encouraging a more open society. It promotes self-acceptance and body positivity, which encourages people to accept themselves as they are rather than striving for an unachievable ideal of perfection.

Solutions

With this campaign, people were educated about the dangers of excessive makeup use as well as the importance of embracing natural beauty.

Collaborating with Miss England bare-faced winner 22 Melisa Raouf, who has embraced her bare face globally and has had a significant impact on promoting the campaign's message.

Benefits and Impact

Enabled people to be confident in their own ways. This movement appreciated natural beauty, encouraged people to appreciate their unique characteristics, and increased their self-esteem.

Furthermore, this campaign had a significant impact on societal beauty standards, challenging long-held views that beauty is synonymous with heavy makeup and flawless appearances. The Bare Face Campaign 2023 promoted inclusivity and diversity in defining what it means to be attractive by appreciating natural beauty.

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The Global Women Summit 2023

sadham — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:31:51 +0000

The Global Women Summit 2023

Project Description

The Global Women Summit 2023 was held on February 21st and 22nd, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Her Majesty, Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women's Union UAE and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, along with significant stateswomen, religious figures, business executives, social activists, cultural icons, media people, and intellectuals from over 100 nations, assembled to cover a wide range of challenges confronting women at that critical juncture in human history, as well as initiatives to establish connections across communities for women. Sadham D. Zarjhan, the CEO of the International Youth Council and TWMCC's youth representative, actively contributed to the summit's success by providing his leadership to the youth team. This global event was able to bring together policymakers, scholars, activists, and practitioners to exchange ideas, experiences, and solutions from female leaders on issues such as gender inequality, domestic violence, and political challenges.

Attending the Global Summit of Women in Abu Dhabi was an experience that I will never forget. As one of the youngest delegates in attendance, I had a lot to learn, but the lessons and inspiration I received from the incredible women I met will stay with me for a lifetime.

I saw so many powerful and empowering women of all ages and backgrounds speak about their experiences and journeys. They came from all sectors and were smart, bold, and determined to achieve their dreams. Seeing these women succeed in their goals no matter where they were from, truly inspired me. I felt empowered myself to keep being an inspiration to the new generation and help them achieve their dreams too.

I'm grateful to have been a part of the International Youth Council and to have had the opportunity to attend this summit. The Council is a supportive team of like minded individuals that share the same passion for empowering the next generation. I met them through online communication network and they have been incredibly supportive of my beliefs in empowering young people.

I had the chance to learn so much from the Summit and to hear from so many influential women. They shared their stories, struggles, and successes with us, and it was truly inspiring. Being a part of this event has given me the motivation and drive to continue working towards empowering young people and promoting gender equality.

Attending the Global Summit of Women was not just a typical holiday, it was an opportunity to learn, grow and be inspired. I am grateful for the chance to be a part of such a wonderful event and for the continued support of the International Youth Council. I'm looking forward to being a part of helping the next generation and making the world a better place.

- Ms. Melisa Raouf -
Founder
Barefacetrendmovement, UK Miss England Bare Face Winner 2022

On February 21 and 22, 2023, a 2-day Global Summit of Women was held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). FundLife was invited to join this prestigious gathering of Prominent stateswomen, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, social activists, cultural personalities, media celebrities, and scholars from more than 100 countries. Invited by the International Youth Council, the gathering provided an opportunity for FundLife to share its ongoing efforts to ensure every single girl and young woman has an equitable opportunity to reach their full potential.

The purpose of the summit was to discuss the various roles of women in different areas of society – media, politics, philanthropy and humanities, the media and creative industries, and in education and sciences; as well as the weight and importance of these roles. During the conference, notable women leaders spoke about their experiences and discussed among the panel pressing matters where women are concerned.

Ms. Marie Angelique Villamor, Programs Lead for Girls and Women, was the representative of FundLife. Being a girl and woman advocate, she described her experience at the summit as a perfect avenue for women from different parts of the world to discuss important matters, especially the impactful roles and results of women in nation building, awareness-raising, and social inclusivity. More than simply being part of the summit, she gained different insights on how women can impact society and become partners for change and sustainability alongside their male counterparts. She also added that all women present in the summit each brought with them their advocacies, and the summit magnified their advocacies as each one of them are mirrors of each other.

The Global Women Summit of 2023 would not be possible without the patronage of Her Highness, Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and the Chairwoman of General Women’s Union – United Arab Emirates, the Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), the World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC), and of course, the International Youth Council, who provided the opportunity for FundLife to participate in this prestigious event.

- Ms. Marie Angelique Villamor -
Head of Operations
Cebu Officer Fundlife International Inc, Thailand

Duration

Start date : 21.02.2023

Completed Date : 23.02.2023

Location(s)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

IYC Focal Area(s)

Creating Sustainable Societies

Improving Physical, Mental and Social Well-being

Leadership of the Project

IYC Headquarters

Strategic Partnerships

The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) in partnership with Her Majesty, Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women’s Union-UAE, and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).

SDG Number

5,16,17

Strategic Goals:

To explore ideas, experiences, and solutions from female leaders on issues such as gender inequality, domestic violence, and political concerns, and participants gave positive feedback.

To recognize, present, and value women's skills and talents.

To discuss a wide range of challenges affecting women and strategies for building bridges between communities for peace, inclusion, and prosperity.

Fast Facts:

Challenges

The Global Women's Summit addressed a wide range of topics impacting women around the world. Among the topics discussed were gender inequality and discrimination, as well as gender-based violence. The summit's goal was to bring global leaders and experts together to discuss strategies and solutions for enhancing women's empowerment.

Solutions

Solutions to increase empowerment and impact through building women's networks and cooperation.

Adoption of national gender policies and procedures, to ensure that women are adequately represented in all fields.

Benefits and Impact

The summit emphasized the significance of women's voices in global public policy and governance, encouraging them to engage in decision-making in their communities, countries, and multilateral organizations.

It served as an amazing platform for the sharing of information and resources among participants from all over the world by building understanding and enhancing intercultural interchange, allowing participants access to a varied scope of thoughts, opinions, ideas, and resources from multiple nations.

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Tackling Plastic Pollution in Islamabad Capital on World Consumer Rights Day, 2021

sadham — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:30:20 +0000

Tackling Plastic Pollution in Islamabad Capital on World Consumer Rights Day, 2021

Project ID: IYC/HQ/2021/01

Project Description

To commemorate World Consumer Rights Day, the Network for Consumer Protection organized a webinar titled "Tackling Plastic Pollution" on March 15, 2021, to free Islamabad's capital city from polythene bags and set an example for other cities. The webinar aimed to improve consumer awareness of sustainable purchasing and encourage necessary changes to make addressing plastic pollution easy. "Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, and Replace" was the campaign theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2021.

Mr. Rana Waqas Anwar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Islamabad; Mr. Babar Sahib Din, Additional Deputy Commissioner Islamabad (East); Zulfiqar Ali Jhammat, Deputy Director, Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR); and Sadham Zarjahan, CEO of the International Youth Council, presented speeches during the session. Every year, Consumers International, the global membership organization representing consumer organizations, commemorates World Consumer Rights Day to highlight the importance of consumer protection and empowerment. One of the keynote presenters, Mr. Sadham D. Zarjahan, underlined the necessity of adopting minor changes to reduce plastic use, particularly polythene bags. He mentioned that if the ICT administration encouraged people to use less plastic in their daily lives, they would be more likely to follow best practices worldwide. He emphasized the significance of consumer participation and comprehension in ensuring that the rules are followed.

Duration

Start date : 15.03.2021

Completed Date : 15.03.2021

Location(s)

Islamabad, Pakistan

IYC Focal Area(s)

Protecting the Environment

Creating Sustainable Societies

Leadership of the Project

IYC Headquarters

Strategic Partnerships

Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, Ministry of Climate Change representatives, and Environment Protection Agency.

SDG Number

12,13,17

Strategic Goals:

To convince people to join the effort to prevent plastic pollution.

To educate citizens about the state of plastic pollution and the importance of making progress towards eradication.

To prevent plastic pollution and build comprehensive waste management systems that promote recycling and proper disposal.

Fast Facts:

Challenges

Underlined the importance of individual responsibility in reducing plastic usage through wise purchase decisions and correct waste disposal methods, as well as collective action now to create a cleaner planet for future generations.

Solutions

The importance of individual responsibility in reducing plastic usage through wise purchasing decisions and proper waste disposal procedures, as well as collective action now to create a cleaner planet for future generations, was emphasized.

Benefits and Impact

Being able to reduce the health issues associated with plastic pollution by implementing proper waste management systems and supporting recycling programmes.

Being able to protect endangered species while preserving ecological balance.

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Panel Discussion – Depression – A mental state or Illness?

sadham — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:30:01 +0000

Panel Discussion - Depression - A mental state or Illness?

Project ID: HMHA0001

Project Description

On United Nations Day, October 24, 2022, the day to help raise public awareness of political, cultural, social, and humanitarian fields , the International Youth Council (IYC) conducted a virtual panel discussion, "Depression: A Mental State or Illness?" live streamed through the IYC's Facebook page and YouTube channel, with various mental health professionals discussing depression, its effects on South Asian populations, and how it affects different age groups. The panellists for this discussion were:

Ms. Akhila Vuntla, ABA Therapist, MS in Clinical Psychology, USA

Annie Pink, Corporate Trainer, NLP Master Practitioner, NLP Psychotherapist, and Hypnotist, ASDA Kampala, Uganda

Mr. Sachin P. Jayashan, Senior Counsellor, District General Hospital, Kegalle, Sri Lanka

Ms. Shivali S. Desai, Special Educator, The Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India

Duration

Start date : 24.08.2021

Completed Date : 24.08.2021

Location(s)

Online

IYC Focal Area(s)

Improving Physical, Mental and Social Well-being

Leadership of the Project

IYC Headquarters

Strategic Partnerships

SDG Number

Strategic Goals:

Evaluated various viewpoints on whether depression is a mental state or illness to advance a better understanding of depression.

Aimed to create awareness of the complexities of depression by challenging myths and misconceptions.

Attempted to influence mental health policy improvements with the goal of better preventative measures, early intervention, and improved depression therapy.

Fast Facts:

Challenges

The panel discussion provided critical insights into understanding depression as both a mental state and an illness. It emphasised crucial themes such as the stigma associated with mental health concerns, accurate diagnosis, socioeconomic factors impacting depression risk factors, and the wide spectrum of therapies available.

Solutions

Experts analyzed the data supporting each opinion and examined the symptoms of depression, its impact on people's daily lives, and how it can be diagnosed. This discussion raised awareness, deepened understanding, and fortified people who live in the darkness of depression.

Benefits and Impact

Had the power to raise awareness about the complexities of this condition and generate empathy and understanding among people who may have minimal knowledge about mental health issues. Furthermore, it urged people suffering from depression to seek therapy and support, understanding that it is a medical condition that requires expert care.

Improved awareness and enhanced support systems for people suffering by this serious condition.

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International Capacity Building Workshop on Green Growth

sadham — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:29:08 +0000

International Capacity Building Workshop on Green Growth

Project ID : IYC/SL/2017/04

Project Description

The International Capacity Building Workshop on Green Growth provided a unique platform for youth advocates, development partners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, affiliated government agencies, bilateral and multilateral agencies, and representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) to raise conversation, share experiences, good practices, and challenges at the national, regional, and international levels.

Duration

Start date : 15.03.2021

Completed Date : 15.03.2021

Location(s)

Melaka, Malaysia

IYC Focal Area(s)

Education for Better Future

Protecting the Environment

Creating Sustainable Societies

Leadership of the Project

IYC Headquarters

IYC Sri Lanka

Strategic Partnerships

World Youth Foundation

SDG Number

Strategic Goals:

Increasing youth awareness of SDG 14 and other associated SDGs.

Identifying and highlighting the possible responsibilities of youths in ocean conservation and preservation, as well as outlining how youth can contribute to these programs.

To educate and motivate youth to take responsibility for ocean conservation and ensuring a sustainable future for everybody.

To empower youth action by building capacity and offering opportunities for networking and cooperation.

Fast Facts:

Challenges

The two most pressing global concerns were certainly the global financial crisis and climate change, both of which require creative solutions, speedy relief, and broad engagement.

Solutions

Recognized how young people could contribute to making the world a green and sustainable place by constructing more safe and sustainable cities, social inclusion, education awareness approaches, and policies.

Benefits and Impact

Participants received extensive training from certified trainers, including the "Hive" technique, which directly engaged workshop participants in a collaborative and participatory manner to learn about significant project planning and implementation principles.

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International Conference on Youth, the Ocean, and Sustainable Development Goal 14

sadham — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:28:28 +0000

International Conference on Youth, the Ocean, and Sustainable Development Goal 14

Project ID : IYC/SL/2019/01

Project Description

This event's purpose was to discuss how young people could contribute to ocean and marine conservation and preserve the sustainability of the maritime environment. During the international conference, young people from all over the world discussed, assessed, exchanged, and developed solutions to issues such as ocean preservation and conservation, marine pollution, the effects of climate change on the seas, a sustainable blue economy, coral reefs, and fisheries.

Duration

Start date : 01.07.2019

Completed Date : 05.07.2019

Location(s)

Melaka, Malaysia

IYC Focal Area(s)

Education for Better Future

Protecting the Environment

Creating Sustainable Societies

Leadership of the Project

IYC Headquarters

IYC Sri Lanka

Strategic Partnerships

World Youth Foundation (WYF), International Youth Council (IYC), Young Environmental Forum

SDG Number

Strategic Goals:

Raising youth awareness of SDG 14 and other SDGs linked to ocean conservation and preservation.

Identifying and presenting youth's potential roles in ocean conservation and preservation and describing how youth can engage in these efforts.

To educate and inspire young people to become advocates for ocean conservation and a more sustainable future for all.

Empowering young people through capacity building, networking, and collaboration opportunities.

Fast Facts:

Challenges

This international conference was proposed in order to hear from the young about how they overcome challenges linked to ocean conservation and preservation, as well as how young people are sustaining and improving the health of our oceans.

Solutions

Participants created a Global Marine Litter Awareness Campaign, and the formal outcome document was adopted at the conference's conclusion.

Benefits and Impact

Youth were educated on the importance of the ocean and exposed to ocean conservation and preservation issues. The ultimate goal was to teach young people about the importance of safeguarding the oceans, seas, and marine resources for long-term development.

They established a Marine Litter Campaign so that when they returned to their home countries, they could educate their communities about ocean concerns and advocate for solutions to safeguard our vulnerable waterways. This campaign may well motivate other members of the community to join us in raising our collective voice for environmental change.

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International Conference on Youth, Peace, and Violent Extremism

sadham — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:27:25 +0000

International Conference on Youth, Peace, and Violent Extremism

Project ID : IYC/SL/2018/03

Project Description

The goal of the event was to create a discussion platform about the role of youth and their activities in preventing violent extremism, with an emphasis on rights, peace, and pluralism.

Duration

Start date : 30.07.2018

Completion : 03.08.2018

Location(s)

Melaka, Malaysia

IYC Focal Area(s)

Protecting the Environment

Creating Sustainable Societies

Leadership of the Project

IYC Headquarters

Strategic Partnerships

Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports and several other organizations

SDG Number

Strategic Goals:

To encourage young people to share their experiences and ideas about successful approaches to combating the roots of violent extremism.

To identify the "push and pull variables" that affect violent extremism.

To explore and discuss the role of youth in preventing the conditions that contribute to violent extremism and promoting the long-term viability of peaceful nations.

Fast Facts:

Challenges

Addressed the socioeconomic and political factors that contribute to radicalization.

Solutions

Providing a platform for young people to express themselves and contribute to issues affecting them and society as a whole.

Inclusion of a gender perspective in PCVE strategy execution.

Increased social fairness and inclusion, with equal access to education and work opportunities.

Benefits and Impact

Active engagement of young people is critical to preventing violent extremism and achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 16, and this conference demonstrated how to perform it effectively.

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Youth Action in Creating Sustainable Cities

sadham — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:26:12 +0000

Youth Action in Creating Sustainable Cities

Project ID : IYC/SL/2018/02

Project Description

The focus of the event was on developing and executing strategies to achieve the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDGs 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 17 (Partnerships) for the development of urban, green cities and aim of strengthening community resilience by supporting the SDGs and executing creative solutions, development, and political change to improve quality of life and global health.

Duration

Start date : 07.02.2018

Completed Date : 13.02.2018

Location(s)

Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

IYC Focal Area(s)

Protecting the Environment

Creating Sustainable Societies

Leadership of the Project

IYC Headquarters

IYC Sri Lanka

Strategic Partnerships

World Youth Foundation (WYF), United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (UNMGCY), Green Growth Asia, Indonesian Green Action Forum

SDG Number

8,11,13,15,17

Strategic Goals:

Improve stakeholder awareness of sustainable urbanization.

Increase public understanding of sustainable urban development through holding open discussions, sharing lessons learned, and exchanging creative urban solutions and policies.

Enhance coordination and cooperation among many stakeholders and constituencies to achieve sustainable urbanization.

Include feedback from international organizations and stakeholders in NUA implementation reports.

Fast Facts:

Challenges

Human settlements were addressed, including the effects of growing urbanization on cities, communities, economies, climate change, and legislation.

Solutions

Designing an SDG indicator framework for cities to identify serious challenges at the local level.

Encouraging strong competition among governments in establishing diverse youth engagement policies, guidelines, and standards to guide governments, local governments, civil society organizations, and the commercial sector in including youths with various needs, particularly those with disabilities, young women, refugee youth, and youth in conflict cities.

Benefits and Impact

Brought together a diverse group of young people to investigate the most pressing challenges affecting their communities and to provide inclusive, long-term solutions for establishing sustainable cities.

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