From 1.8 Billion Young People for Change to What Young People Want: A Continued Commitment to Amplifying Youth Voices

One year ago, the Global Forum for Adolescents (GFA) brought together adolescents, youth, policymakers, advocates and allies from around the world to discuss issues that affect adolescents and youth globally, as well as the future of adolescent well-being. Since then, young voices have continued to play a central role in shaping global priorities. Over 1.5 million young people have made their voices heard, providing critical insights that have informed the Agenda for Action for Adolescents (AAA) and many other evidence-based resources tied to Adolescent Well-Being (AWB). 

Their contributions have not only informed policies but have also fueled advocacy efforts that impact decision-making at the highest levels. The story of these adolescent and youth-driven actions highlights the transformative power of young voices and their potential to drive lasting change. 

The Growing Force of Adolescents

Today, there are over one billion adolescents worldwide, making up almost 16% of the world’s population - a number that represents both a challenge and an opportunity. This growing generation is a powerful force for change, with the potential to shape the future of global health, education, and social justice. 

By leveraging/harnessing the strength of young people, we can continue to push for policies and programs that address their needs and empower them to lead the change. The Global Forum for Adolescents was just the beginning; the momentum it created must continue. 

A New Chapter: The What Young People Want Campaign

Building on the success of the 1.8 Billion Young People for Change initiative, the What Young People Want (WYPW) campaign represents the next chapter in adolescent and youth advocacy. This campaign is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring that the voices of young people are not just heard but acted upon for maximum impact at the community and individual level. 

WYPW is informed by the priorities that young people expressed as part of PMNCH’s community voices gathering efforts in the lead up to the GFA. It continues the work of ensuring that adolescent and youth concerns—ranging from health and education to economic opportunity—remain central to global development agenda and decision-making. Through this campaign, we aim to keep the conversation alive and expand our reach, giving young people a stronger platform to influence policies and actions that affect their lives.

Call to Action: Keep the Momentum Going 

As we move forward, we call on governments, organizations, and advocacy groups to keep the momentum from the Global Forum for Adolescents growing by supporting the What Young People Want campaign. We must continue to act on the demands of the Call to Action: Prioritizing What Young People Want for a Sustainable post-2030 Era, mobilizing more commitments for adolescent well-being, holding countries accountable to existing commitments and ensuring that adolescent and youth voices are amplified at every level. 

We urge all partners to redouble their efforts in supporting these young voices, ensuring that the 1.5 million young people who have already spoken up are heard and that their calls for change result in tangible outcomes. We must build on the commitments made and continue to drive the agenda for a brighter future for all adolescents. 

For more information on current government commitments and how you can get involved, please visit this page. Visit the WYPW dashboard here to explore the data, discover the stories behind the numbers, and join us in amplifying the voices of 1.8 billion young people worldwide Together, we can continue the work begun at the Global Forum and ensure that every young person’s voice is not just heard, but leads to meaningful engagement and action.