International Organization of Youth
Global platform for youth engagement and policy-making globally
International Organization of Youth
The International Organization of Youth (IOY) is a global platform committed to youth engagement in policy-making, amplifying youth voices, and driving meaningful change worldwide. Originally founded in 2008 as Generation Next Voice of Youth (GNVOY) to promote youth inclusion in decision-making, it evolved into the International Youth Conference (IYC) in 2019 following the 68th UN Civil Society Conference, in collaboration with UNDGC and UN-Habitat, as a dynamic forum for youth advocacy. In 2024, IYC expanded into IOY to further its mission, aiming for UN General Assembly observer status and solidifying its role as a global youth-led organization dedicated to mobilizing young leaders and fostering sustainable impact.
International Youth Conference
The International Youth Conference (IYC), now a flagship initiative of the International Organization of Youth (IOY), serves as a premier global platform for youth engagement, advocacy, and policy inclusion. Established in 2019 following the 68th UN Civil Society Conference, IYC has brought together young leaders, policymakers, and international organizations to drive solutions for global challenges. It provides a space for dialogue, collaboration, and action, empowering youth to shape international policies and contribute to sustainable development. With a strong focus on multilateral engagement, public diplomacy, and grassroots impact, IYC continues to evolve, ensuring that young voices are central to global decision-making processes.
Mission
International Organization of Youth (IOY) empowers young people to engage with global issues and challenges, fostering their voices and actions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By creating a platform for education, dialogue, and collaboration, IOY aims to inspire and equip youth to become proactive agents of change in their communities and the world. At IOY, 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 global development, leading efforts to address global challenges through innovation, collaboration, and informed advocacy. IOY 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 youth participation at the UN, ensuring representation from all 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
