Co-creating for a more just and sustainable world
The UN Youth Office Reference Group is a dynamic group of young leaders and changemakers who help shape the work of the United Nations Youth Office. Representing wider youth networks, organizations, movements, as well as formal engagement mechanisms such as Youth Advisory Boards within the UN system, these young people bring critical perspectives from across diverse regions, backgrounds, and focus areas.
Together, they support the work of the UN Youth Office across all UN pillars: sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security. Their voices help ensure that youth are not just consulted, but actively included in shaping priorities, strategies and policies that affect their lives and communities.
Why a Youth Reference Group?
At the UN Youth Office, meaningful youth participation is not just a commitment — it’s a core principle that drives everything we do. The Reference Group helps us put this principle into practice by:
- Ensuring youth voices are heard in decisions, planning and policy work
- Advising on the strategic direction and key initiatives of the Office
- Promoting accountability and transparency in how we engage with young people
It’s about creating a two-way relationship between the UN Youth Office and the youth being served — one that is built on trust, inclusion and shared purpose.
Where voices become action
Members of the Youth Reference Group provide strategic advice and guidance to the UN Youth Office. Their contributions help shape both specific initiatives and the broader vision for how the UN Youth Office works with and for youth. This includes:
- Contributing to the implementation of the UN Youth Office Strategic Plan, ensuring objectives are translated into meaningful actions;
- Supporting the implementation of core principles for meaningful youth participation;
- Providing input on major youth-focused initiatives and campaigns, including the UN Youth Compass;
- Amplifying lessons and stories about youth engagement across global audiences;
- Helping mobilize youth participation in major multilateral processes and UN events;
- Participating in online meetings and key dialogues, offering insights and feedback throughout the year.
This is more than a sounding board — it’s a space where young leaders help co-create the future of meaningful youth participation at the UN.
The Youth Reference Group is a living example of how the UN Youth Office is putting young people at the center of its work — not only as beneficiaries, but as partners, leaders and co-creators.
By engaging directly with youth from all walks of life, the Reference Group helps bridge gaps, break silos, and strengthen how the UN responds to the needs and priorities of young people.
In a world where nearly half the population is under 30 years old, meaningful youth participation is not optional — it’s essential.
Stay tuned as we continue to share stories, insights, and opportunities to connect with the work of the Reference Group and the broader movement for meaningful participation.