Kathmandu | 16 July 2025
In a powerful move to elevate youth voices in global development, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has launched a transformative initiative bringing together 30 young changemakers under the age of 30 from across the world. These dynamic individuals, selected for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainable development, are now central players in shaping practical solutions for some of the planet's most pressing challenges.
Under the banner “Youth at the Table, Practical Solutions on the Agenda,” the UNOPS Youth Engagement Platform is not merely providing a stage for young voices-it is handing over the steering wheel. This initiative marks a shift in global youth engagement by moving beyond symbolic participation to meaningful decision-making roles, particularly as the world races to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From small villages to international forums, these youth leaders are tackling issues ranging from climate change and gender equity to clean energy and digital inclusion. The platform supports collaborative action, where participants co-create strategies and policies grounded in local realities and global best practices.
The campaign, symbolized by vibrant visuals and the hashtag #youthFAM, reinforces a community-based spirit—bringing together a “family” of youth advocates bound by a shared vision of a just and sustainable world.
UNOPS, known for delivering infrastructure, procurement, and project management solutions for UN partners, is using this youth platform to embody its motto: Practical Solutions. By equipping young leaders with tools, networks, and visibility, the platform ensures that they are not just heard but heeded.
Why It Matters
As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs looms closer, the inclusion of youth in governance, innovation, and community transformation is no longer optional—it is essential. With over 1.8 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24 globally, empowering young minds and amplifying their impact may be one of the most practical, scalable solutions available.
The youth engaged through this platform are expected to continue collaborating across borders, sharing ideas, and testing sustainable solutions that could influence national and international development agendas.
Way Forward
For institutions, governments, and development partners, this initiative signals a blueprint for effective youth engagement—one that is inclusive, action-oriented, and impact-driven. As these 30 changemakers begin implementing community projects and advising global strategies, stakeholders are encouraged to invest in youth-led innovation, prioritize mentorship, and create spaces for long-term participation.
As we march toward 2030, youth are no longer the leaders of tomorrow. Through platforms like this, they are leaders today—and they are steering us all toward a more sustainable and equitable world.
