Fédération Internationale de la Jeunesse (International Youth Federation, IYF)
The Fédération Internationale de la Jeunesse, known in English as the International Youth Federation (IYF), is an international non-profit network of youth organizations governed by the current Statutes and the Swiss Civil Code. It is politically neutral and non-denominational, with the aim of empowering youth worldwide. The IYF is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Youth Network.
Founded in 2016, the IYF oversees international youth participation, empowering youth and encouraging their engagement among national youth associations. Member countries are engaged through five Regional Administrations: Africa, Asia & Pacific, Europe, Middle East & North Africa, and the Americas & the Caribbean.
Guided by the IYF vision of empowering youth worldwide and the Sustainable Development Global Goals, the IYF works through senior Youth Representatives from all member countries. These representatives act as an advocacy group for the Global Goals among youth.
The IYF was established from the need for a collective and better understanding of youth participation and its implementation for youth of all ages. The call for inclusive youth participation in community activities, governments, policy/decision-making bodies, and CSOs emphasizes the importance of gender parity, especially young women's participation. The IYF focuses on the participation of other marginalized groups of youth, such as those with disabilities, indigenous youth, migrant youth, youth affected by conflict and post-conflict situations, and youth affected by HIV. We recognize that young people are a major human resource for development and key agents for social change, economic growth, and technological innovation.
IYF objectives:
- To improve the status of youth and promote cooperation between youth associations in different countries (or persons acting in place thereof).
- To collect information about the state of affairs and practical conditions relating to youth in different countries and to disseminate such information among members.
- To increase the knowledge and understanding of youth issues among private individuals and government bodies of importance and influence, and to speak with a common voice in all matters relating to the aforementioned objectives.
- To communicate with any government or public body, and to cooperate with them or any other Institution, association or person for any purpose contributing to the attainment of the aforementioned objectives.
- To establish the conditions for successful knowledge and technology transfer within the particular countries and internationally via the Learning HUB, working under the supervision of the IYF Office.
- To raise the appreciation of youth achievements worldwide.
- To perform all necessary activities to encourage and promote youth empowerment.