UNPO Youth Network
Background
UNPO has a rich history of engagement with youth activists since its conception. Different programmes have been offering tailored training programs to amplify their voices on the global stage thanks to the support of key partners. The UNPO Youth Network initiative was embraced by the UNPO following the successful development of study sessions for youth activists representing various minority and indigenous communities supported by the Council of Europe. The goal of the UNPO Youth Network is to celebrate cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity and help strengthen young people’s sense of identity.
The Network is therefore an integral campaign of the UNPO and has been inscribed within the UNPO Global Strategy for 2024-2027 led with the support of members encompassing both senior and youth representatives which are involved with the UNPO through their membership.The UNPO Youth Network Programme aims to empower and support young members across its diverse communities by offering more than just training. This program seeks to organize activities that foster enriching interactions between youth and senior representatives within UNPO, as well as among different communities. The goal is to leverage the collective experience and wisdom of seasoned leaders while integrating the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas of the youth. This mutual exchange aims to enhance the capabilities and understanding of both groups, ensuring that the UNPO continues to evolve and benefit from the diverse experiences and viewpoints of its younger members.
The Programme
Our network comprises young minority and indigenous activists united in advocating for unrepresented communities. We foster solidarity, celebrate culture, and strategize for a better future. Managed by a dedicated core team, we meet online fortnightly to organize and drive our initiatives forward.
Our Mission
Central to our Youth programmes is raising awareness about the challenges faced by unrepresented nations worldwide and cultivating the next generation of leaders in their respective communities. By working with youth, we strive to promote peaceful, inclusive societies for generations to come. We are doing this by fostering empathy, understanding, and collaborative action among youth groups, breaking down barriers of inequality and exclusion.
Our Goal
The goal of the UNPO Youth programme is to empower young people from unrepresented nations and peoples by celebrating cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity, strengthening their sense of identity, and amplifying their voices on the global stage. The programme aims to foster solidarity, raise awareness about the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and promote peaceful, inclusive societies for sustainable development.
Objectives
- Equip young activists with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively advocate for their communities’ rights and aspirations.
- Foster leadership qualities among youth to drive positive change within their communities and beyond.
- Celebrate and preserve the cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity of unrepresented nations and peoples.
- Strengthen young people’s sense of identity and pride in their heritage.
- Increase global awareness of the challenges faced by marginalized communities through youth-led initiatives.
- Promote empathy, understanding, and collaborative action among youth groups worldwide.
- Create a strong network of young minority and indigenous activists to support each other and advocate collectively for unrepresented communities.
- Facilitate regular communication and collaboration within the network to share experiences, strategies, and resources.
- Address issues of inequality and exclusion through targeted youth initiatives.
- Support communities in facing new global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical shifts by harnessing the innovative potential of youth leadership and participation.
What We Do
- Develop and deliver training programs focused on leadership, advocacy, communication, and digital literacy.
- Partner with experts and organizations to provide specialized workshops on topics relevant to youth activists, including strategies to tackle global challenges.
- Organize annual study sessions in collaboration with the Council of Europe, focusing on the skills and knowledge needed for effective advocacy.
- Provide a platform for young activists to learn from each other and from experienced advocates.
- Launch youth-led campaigns to raise awareness about the issues faced by marginalized communities, using creative media, storytelling, and public speaking.
- Engage with policymakers, educators, and the public to advocate for the rights and inclusion of unrepresented nations and peoples.
- Establish mentorship programs connecting experienced activists with young advocates to provide guidance and support.
- Create online forums and groups for continuous dialogue, support, and resource sharing among network members.
- Encourage youth participation in international forums and discussions on global issues such as climate change, digital security, and geopolitical tensions.
- Develop initiatives that empower young leaders to create and lead innovative solutions to global challenges, ensuring that the voices of unrepresented nations are included in shaping the future.
By achieving these goals, objectives, and actions, the UNPO Youth programme will empower young advocates to become influential voices for their communities, promoting a world where cultural diversity is celebrated, and the rights of all peoples are respected and upheld. This will also ensure that communities are better equipped to face new global challenges through the leadership and innovative potential of the youth.
