FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 22 March 2026
Contact: Media Relations, info@iydg.org 

International Youth Federation Executive Board Approves Global Strategy 2026–2030

London, United Kingdom – The Executive Board of the International Youth Federation (IYF) has formally approved the IYF Global Strategy 2026–2030, setting a renewed and ambitious course to strengthen youth leadership, institutional systems, and sustainable development outcomes worldwide.

The five-year strategy positions IYF as a youth-led global network advancing inclusive participation, innovation-driven empowerment, and resilient governance systems across more than 90 countries.

Under the overarching vision of “an empowered generation of young people contributing to resilient, peaceful, and prosperous societies,” the Strategy outlines three strategic objectives:

  • Advance Youth Engagement and Leadership
  • Accelerate Youth Empowerment through Innovation and Skills Development
  • Strengthen Youth Participation in Policy and Governance

The Strategy is grounded in a clear results framework and theory of change, translating vision into measurable outcomes that strengthen youth representation, expand access to skills and economic opportunities, and institutionalise youth-responsive governance mechanisms.

Adopted at a time of significant global transformation, the Strategy recognises both the scale of challenges facing young people – from unemployment and displacement to climate vulnerability and digital divides – and the unprecedented opportunity presented by the largest youth generation in history.

The Strategy reinforces IYF’s dual mandate of empowering young people while strengthening the ecosystems that enable them to thrive. Through partnerships with governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector, IYF will continue to bridge youth movements and public systems, advancing evidence-based, scalable solutions.

Building on lessons learned from the previous strategy cycle, the new framework places stronger emphasis on institutional capacity, accountable partnerships, and inclusive programming — particularly for young women, displaced youth, rural communities, and youth with disabilities.

Commenting on the approval, IYF President Julia Blocher affirmed: “The 2026–2030 Strategy reflects our evolution as a youth-led global network. It reinforces our commitment to empowering young people as decision-makers and innovators, while working alongside institutions to create lasting systemic change.”

With Executive Board endorsement, implementation of the Strategy will begin immediately across IYF’s regional and country teams. The Federation will work closely with partners and stakeholders to translate strategic objectives into national and global action.

The full IYF Global Strategy 2026–2030 is available at: www.iyfweb.org

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The IYF is a global youth network dedicated to empowering young people and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources that help youth build a better future. The organization works in alignment with the 2030 Global Goals Agenda to promote education, advocacy, sustainable development, and a culture of respect and compassion worldwide. 

IYF engages and mobilizes new audiences to take action and raise support for youth-focused sustainable development programmes around the globe.

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For more information, please contact: IYF Media Relations – info@iydg.org  |  Fédération internationale de la jeunesse  |  HQ Office, Press Center  |  24 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom  |  www.iyfweb.org