UN & Global Youth Movements Boost Leadership Worldwide

Partnership Empowers 250 Million Young Leaders Globally

UN Youth Office Joins Big Six Organizations to Accelerate SDG Action

Published by: Mr. Dibakar Mandal
Date & Time: 26 October 2025, 14:30 IST (UTC+5:30)

Introduction

In a historic move for global youth engagement, the United Nations Youth Office has partnered with the world’s largest youth organizations—the “Big Six”—to accelerate youth leadership and action toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This strategic collaboration strengthens the Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) initiative, which equips young people with resources, training, and platforms to implement impactful, youth-led solutions to pressing global challenges.

The Big Six—World YWCA, World YMCA, World Scouting, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, and World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)—collectively reach over 250 million young people across more than 190 countries.

For Scouts, Guides, and youth leaders in India, this partnership opens unprecedented opportunities for leadership development, global exposure, and community action, ensuring that young voices are represented in high-level decision-making. By connecting youth to international platforms, this alliance empowers the next generation of leaders and strengthens youth-led efforts to achieve the SDGs.

The Big Six: Global Leaders in Youth Empowerment

The Big Six organizations are pioneers in youth engagement:

World YWCA – Promotes gender equality and youth leadership.
World YMCA – Focuses on holistic youth development and community service.
World Scouting – Builds leadership, teamwork, and life skills through Scouting programs.
IFRC – Engages youth in humanitarian action and disaster response.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation – Encourages personal growth, skill-building, and community service.
WAGGGS – Empowers girls and young women to become confident leaders.

Impact Fact: Together, these organizations influence over 250 million young people, making this alliance the largest youth leadership network worldwide.

Global Youth Mobilization (GYM): Youth in Action

The Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic with support from WHO and the UN Foundation. It focuses on:

Capacity Building – Training youth to lead impactful projects.
Resource Support – Providing funding for grassroots initiatives.
Youth Advocacy – Ensuring young people’s voices are heard in global forums.
Global Networking – Connecting youth leaders across countries for collaboration.

Example: During the 2024 World Scout Moot in Portugal, Scouts from over 50 countries showcased projects addressing climate change, education, and community health—many supported through early GYM funding.

Strategic Objectives of the Partnership

The UN Youth Office and the Big Six are working together around four main pillars:

1. Collaboration

UN Youth Office becomes a primary UN partner for GYM.
Joint initiatives align youth projects with the SDGs.

2. Advocacy

Amplifying youth voices in international forums.
Sharing campaigns to protect youth rights and priorities.

3. Resource Mobilization

Channeling resources to youth-led projects worldwide.
Strengthening financial support for local initiatives.

4. Representation

Ensuring youth participation in global decision-making.
Integrating youth perspectives into high-level policies.

Quote from Dr. Felipe Paullier, UN Youth Office:
“This partnership reflects our shared belief that meaningful progress on today’s global challenges can only be achieved with young people at the center. We are investing not just in initiatives but in the future of our societies.”

World Scouting’s Role

World Scouting highlights how this partnership strengthens youth leadership:

Providing Scouts with international advocacy platforms.
Expanding opportunities for SDG-aligned community projects.
Scaling leadership development programs globally.

David Berg, Secretary General, World Scouting:
“Young people are drivers of innovation and positive change. By collaborating with the UN Youth Office, Scouting ensures youth perspectives inform global decisions.”

Opportunities for Indian Scouts

The partnership opens multiple avenues for Scouts in India:

SDG Projects: Focused on health, education, environment, and inclusion.
Global Exposure: Participation in international Moots and forums.
Leadership Development: Access to UN-supported training programs.
Funding: Support for innovative, youth-led initiatives.

Table: Opportunities for Indian Scouts Area Opportunity Description Example Initiative SDG Projects Youth-led development initiatives Local climate action campaigns Leadership Training Workshops and training programs Youth Leadership Bootcamps International Exchange Participation in global Moots and forums World Scout Moots Advocacy & Policy Voice opinions in UN and policy dialogues SDG youth advocacy campaigns

Alt Text Suggestion: “Opportunities for Indian Scouts through UN-Big Six partnership.”

Timeline & Milestones

2020–2021: GYM launched with support from WHO and UN Foundation.
22 September 2025: UN Youth Office partners with Big Six during UN General Assembly High-Level Week.
2026–2028 (Projected): Expanded youth-led initiatives in 190+ countries, additional training and funding programs.

Infographic Suggestion: Timeline showing GYM milestones, UN partnership launch, and projected future initiatives.

Future Outlook

This partnership sets a new global standard for youth engagement:

Strengthening youth representation in SDG initiatives.
Expanding international collaboration among youth organizations.
Enhancing platforms for Scouts and youth leaders to impact communities worldwide.

Motivational Insight:
“Every Scout has the power to change the world. With global networks and UN support, your ideas can reach millions and create lasting impact.”

FAQ

1. What is the Global Youth Mobilization (GYM)?
GYM is a global initiative linking youth organizations to support SDG-focused projects, providing training, funding, and advocacy platforms for young leaders.

2. Who are the Big Six youth organizations?
They include World YWCA, World YMCA, World Scouting, IFRC, Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, and WAGGGS, collectively reaching 250M+ youth worldwide.

3. How can Scouts participate?
Scouts can join SDG projects, attend leadership workshops, participate in international Moots, and advocate for youth-led initiatives globally.

4. What benefits exist for Indian Scouts?
Benefits include global exposure, funding for local initiatives, leadership skill-building, and opportunities to contribute to SDG programs.

5. How does the UN Youth Office strengthen youth leadership?
It provides advocacy platforms, collaborates with global youth organizations, and ensures young voices influence international policy-making.