UNESCO Global Youth Community (GYC)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Worldwide
SUMMARY
The UNESCO Global Youth Community (GYC) is a comprehensive platform that is managed by young people and designed specifically for young people. The project seeks to enhance the recognition of the efforts and accomplishments of young individuals driving positive change.
OBJECTIVES
- Encourage and facilitate meaningful engagement of young people in the development and implementation of UNESCO projects and programs.
- Emerge as an independent learning community by and for young people across the globe to co-learn, co-design, and co-implement projects and programs related to UNESCO’s fields of competence, in a safe, flexible, and inclusive space.
CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND
The UNESCO Global Youth Community (GYC) was developed to address several critical needs and issues:
Youth Inclusion: Young people were often excluded from decision-making processes. The GYC aimed to empower youth by providing platforms for meaningful participation and ensuring their voices influence policies that affect their lives
Global Challenges: The initiative aimed to leverage the innovative ideas and energy of youth to tackle global challenges like climate change, inequality, and conflict, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
Educational and Cultural Opportunities: There was a need to improve access to quality education and cultural exchange to promote mutual understanding and personal development
Digital Inclusion: Ensuring digital literacy and access to technology for youth to engage in learning, activism, and entrepreneurship was a key focus
By addressing these issues, the GYC promotes sustainable development, peace, and intercultural dialogue globally
IMPLEMENTATION: ACTIVITIES AND METHODOLOGIES
Key Activities:
– Workshops and Training Programs:
The UNESCO Global Youth Community (GYC) conducts workshops and training sessions focused on leadership, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and intercultural dialogue. These activities equip young participants with the necessary skills to engage in community projects and advocacy work (UNESCO).
– Collaborative Projects:
The GYC facilitates collaborative projects among youth from different countries to promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. These projects often address global challenges such as climate change, social justice, and sustainable development (UNESCO) (UNESCO).
-Mentorship Programs:
The initiative includes mentorship programs where experienced professionals guide young participants in developing their projects and career paths. Mentors provide insights, feedback, and support to help youth achieve their goals (Lead Foundations).
Innovative Methodologies or Approaches
– Peer-to-Peer Learning: Encouraging youth to learn from each other through peer-led workshops and discussions, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
– Blended Learning: Combining online and offline activities to ensure broader participation and accessibility.
– Community-Driven Projects: Empowering youth to identify and address local issues through community-driven projects, promoting ownership and sustainability.
PROJECT OUTCOMES & LESSONS LEARNED
Main Outcomes
– Youth Participation: Enhanced youth involvement in decision-making and policy influence at various levels
– Skill Development: Improved leadership, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and intercultural dialogue skills among participants
– Successful Projects: Numerous collaborative projects addressing global challenges like climate change and social justice were completed, impacting local and global communities.
– Mentorship and Networking: Established connections between youth and experienced professionals, providing guidance and future collaboration opportunities
– Digital Inclusion: Provided access to technology and digital resources, enabling diverse youth participation
Lessons Learned
– High engagement and innovation through youth-led projects and peer-to-peer learning
– Blended Learning: Effective use of online and offline activities for broader participation and flexibility
– Beneficial collaborations with NGOs, educational institutions, private sector, and governments for resources and support
IMPACT
Enhanced Youth Engagement:
The initiative significantly increased youth participation in decision-making processes, enabling young people to influence policies and contribute to community development at various levelsSkill Development:
Participants gained valuable skills in leadership, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and intercultural dialogue. These skills improved their employability and capacity to lead community projects effectivelySuccessful Implementation of Projects:
Numerous collaborative projects addressing global challenges such as climate change, social justice, and sustainable development were successfully completed. These projects had tangible local impacts and contributed to global awareness and actionMentorship and Networking:
The mentorship programs connected youth with experienced professionals, providing essential guidance and support. This networking also facilitated future opportunities for collaboration and career advancementDigital Inclusion:
The initiative effectively bridged the digital divide by providing access to technology and digital resources. This enabled youth from diverse backgrounds to participate fully in the program and benefit from its offerings
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION