Celebrating International Youth Day and the Potential of Young Leaders

At a recent conference dedicated to purpose-driven organizations, one striking observation stood out: the underrepresentation of individuals under 45 in both the audience and on stage. This absence raised an essential question — how can we design the future of our workplaces and societies without fully engaging the generation that will lead it?

As we commemorate International Youth Day, we are reminded of the importance of integrating youth perspectives into every level of decision-making and development. With more than 50% of the global population under the age of 30, and this figure projected to rise to 57% by 2030, the role of young people as drivers of innovation, sustainability, and progress cannot be overstated.

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda emphasizes this clearly:

“The future of humanity and of our planet lies in our hands. It lies also in the hands of today’s younger generation who will pass the torch to future generations.” — Paragraph 53, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

At HUMAN·A·YA, we believe that building inclusive, resilient, and future-ready systems starts with investing in young people today. Below are six key strategies organizations can adopt to foster meaningful youth engagement and leadership.

1. Create Space for Youth Voices

An inclusive organization welcomes young people not only as participants but as contributors. Actively involving them in discussions, innovation processes, and governance enhances engagement and strengthens organizational adaptability.

2. Provide Continuous Learning & Upskilling Opportunities

As highlighted by Laurent Freixe, Executive VP at Nestlé and Chair of the Global Alliance for YOUth, organizations must prioritize learning pathways. In a rapidly changing world, offering access to training in both digital and interpersonal skills is critical for developing resilient young professionals.

3. Establish Mentorship Programs

Research from MENTOR (2023) shows that structured mentorship significantly impacts youth development.

• 85% of youth with mentors report improved educational outcomes

• 74% attribute long-term success to these relationships

Implementing mentorship programs — within companies, universities, or youth networks — is a proven approach to nurturing talent and preparing future leaders.

4. Offer Coaching for Personal and Leadership Development

Coaching provides personalized support, helping young individuals overcome limiting beliefs, clarify their goals, and strengthen their leadership capacity. It fosters self-awareness, confidence, and agility — all key attributes in a complex and evolving professional landscape.

5. Encourage Intergenerational Collaboration

Bridging generational gaps through initiatives like reverse mentoring, cross-generational project teams, and storytelling sessions fosters mutual understanding and unlocks diverse forms of knowledge. Such programs also strengthen organizational culture by promoting inclusion and shared growth.

6. Invest in Youth Now

“We talk about young people as the future, but we need to invest in the present so we can actually have a promising future.” — Helena Branco, feminist youth activist, Brazil

Genuine investment means providing platforms, resources, and opportunities for young people to lead and co-create. It's a long-term commitment that brings immediate value — and long-lasting impact.

Our Commitment at HUMAN·A·YA

As an organization dedicated to human development through movement, arts, and science, HUMAN·A·YA is committed to creating space for emerging leaders, nurturing their growth, and integrating their insights into our mission. We view youth not as passive recipients of change, but as co-creators of a more equitable, conscious, and connected future.

On this International Youth Day, we invite organizations, institutions, and leaders to reflect on one essential question:What are we doing today to empower the leaders of tomorrow?