Who we are
The UnitEd Youth Council is a global community of young leaders who are passionate about creating change in their own communities and beyond. It is a space where youth come together to share ideas, build projects, and grow as leaders while connecting with others from around the world who care about making an impact. Through collaboration, workshops, and shared learning, members gain the skills, confidence, and support to turn their ideas into action and work on issues that matter to them.
Our Mission
The UnitEd Youth Council exists to ensure that young people are not only heard—but empowered to lead. We believe youth deserve a “seat at the decision-making table”, especially when those decisions directly impact our lives and futures.
As the visionaries and changemakers of today and tomorrow, young people bring fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and shared experiences that are essential to building a more just and sustainable world.
Our mission is to open doors that have been historically closed to youth voices—whether in global policy spaces, local communities, or the boardrooms of powerful multilateral institutions. We create platforms for meaningful youth participation, push for structural change, and advocate for a future where every young person can thrive and shape the systems around them.
BEcause when youth lead, the world moves forward
Executive Director, Zoya Kalinsky speaking at the UN at CSW69 in March 2025