International Youth Conference
Global platform for youth engagement and policymaking with the UN
The International Youth Conference
Since 2019, the Civil Society Unit of the Department of Global Communications (DGC), UN Habitat, and now UN IOM and UNEP, have collaborated with Team IYC, a youth-led 501(c)(3) organization based in New York City, to organize eight editions of the International Youth Conference (IYC). Designed by young people for young people, IYC aims to educate youth on global issues and challenges, inspiring them to voice their perspectives and take action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The IYC was born from a call to action at the 68th UN Civil Society Conference (UNCSC) in Salt Lake City, Utah, in August 2019, which saw significant youth participation. Following this, motivated youth launched IYC with support from the Civil Society Unit, UN-Habitat, and IAAI, to better engage young people in achieving the UN’s goals by 2030.
IYC has evolved from virtual sessions to hybrid and in-person formats. Key components include interactive discussions, social media moments, project showcases, mentoring, and regional sessions, with strong social media engagement to deepen global youth involvement.
Mission
The International Youth Conference (IYC) empowers young people to engage with global issues and challenges, fostering their voices and actions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By creating an inclusive platform for education, dialogue, and collaboration, IYC aims to inspire and equip youth to become proactive agents of change in their communities and the world. At IYC, we bridge the gap between youth and the United Nations, ensuring that young voices resonate and leave an imprint within the UN corridors.
Vision
To create a world where youth are at the forefront of sustainable development, leading efforts to address global challenges through innovation, collaboration, and informed advocacy. IYC envisions a future where young people are fully integrated into decision-making processes, driving positive change and building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world for all. We champion genuine and inclusive youth participation at the UN, ensuring diverse representation from varying backgrounds and regions. Emphasizing the importance of youth participation in decision-making processes, we believe the youth of today are the torchbearers of tomorrow. Our global outreach efforts ensure that youth are well-informed, actively involved, and encouraged to contribute to addressing global challenges. Through skill development, policy engagement, grassroots connections, and community involvement, we empower young people to drive positive change and tackle global issues effectively.
Highlights from Past Editions of the International Youth Conference
