World Youth for Action
You’re not waiting for the future; you’re shaping it.
World Youth for Action is JA Worldwide's flagship, multi-year youth advocacy initiative designed to elevate young people (16–29 years old) as equal contributors in shaping the decisions, systems, and policies that affect your present and your future.
It is not a single event or initiative. World Youth for Action will focus on a major global challenge or opportunity and create meaningful structures for youth-led dialogue, collaboration, research, and recommendation-building. Through virtual cohorts, regional listening labs, global convenings, and partnerships with thought leaders and youth-serving organizations, you will work with other young people across borders, cultures, and lived experiences to help shape conversations that matter.
2026 Global Theme: What Should Follow the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development?
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will conclude in 2030. Conversations about what comes next are already beginning around the world. So, in 2026, World Youth for Action will bring together young people, ages 16–29, to explore an important question: What should the next generation of global goals look like, and what might current systems be missing?
Over the course of the year, you’ll engage in . . .
Virtual global cohorts
Regional listening and dialogue events
Community-based interviews and storytelling
Collaborative working groups
Intergenerational exchange with researchers, educators, business leaders, nonprofit leaders, and policy experts
A global summit in India in November 2026
Together, you’ll explore what thriving communities require in various local contexts, identify emerging global challenges and opportunities, and collaboratively develop youth-led recommendations for the future of global development priorities.
In early 2027, those recommendations will be formally presented to the United Nations and co-signed by a coalition of global youth-serving organizations.
More Than a Conference
World Youth for Action is designed as a working initiative. As a participant, you will engage in . . .
Design thinking and systems thinking
Communication and advocacy skill-building
Research and storytelling
Dialogue across cultures and perspectives
Policy exploration and recommendation-building
Collaboration around real-world global challenges
The initiative combines lived experience, local insight, evidence, and intergenerational collaboration to help you move from conversation to contribution.
Who Will Participate?
World Youth for Action is designed for . . .
JA alumni and young people interested in advocacy, leadership, entrepreneurship, community-building, and global issues
Youth-serving organizations and collaborative partners
Researchers, educators, facilitators, and policy experts
Business, nonprofit, and philanthropic leaders interested in intergenerational collaboration
Global citizens committed to building thriving communities
You will represent diverse geographies, lived experiences, educational pathways, industries, and perspectives.
Become a Certified Youth Advocate
Raise your voice, build your community, and change our world. The certification program is a 6-week, intense virtual skilling journey for 50 youth ages 16–29.
The Youth Advocates program is a unique opportunity for young leaders like you to unleash your potential and drive meaningful change in your community and beyond. Through a combination of workshops, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives, you will develop the skills and confidence to become an effective advocate for issues that matter to you.