About Us
International Youth Forum
The International Youth Forum (IYF) stands as a premier global platform that empowers young leaders to rise as agents of change in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges — from human rights and peacebuilding to sustainable development and innovation. IYF unites dynamic youth delegates with policymakers, global experts, and changemakers to spark bold ideas, shape progressive policies, and build cross-border collaborations that drive real-world impact.
Since its inception in 2017, IYF has grown into a powerful global movement, connecting youth from over 110 countries and cultivating a vibrant ecosystem of leadership, advocacy, and action. This high-level gathering doesn’t just foster dialogue — it ignites purpose, encourages collective responsibility, and equips young people to influence global governance and development agendas.
More than just a forum, IYF is a launchpad for transformative leadership. Youth delegates join hands with ministers, legislators, UN officials, ambassadors, and leading human rights advocates to co-create solutions for a just, inclusive, and sustainable world. Through shared learning, strategic partnerships, and global solidarity, IYF empowers a new generation to lead with vision, courage, and impact.
Our History
Founded in 2017, the International Youth Forum (IYF) began as a bold vision to empower youth as global changemakers. From a small gathering of passionate leaders, it has grown into a global movement uniting young voices for human rights, sustainability, and peace. Through dialogue, education, and action, IYF continues to inspire and drive transformative change worldwide.
Our Mission
At the International Youth Forum, our mission is to empower young people to lead transformative change by promoting human rights, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and fostering global solidarity. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we strive to inspire a generation that is compassionate, courageous, and dedicated to building a just and sustainable world.
Objectives of IYF
Enhance Youth Participation:
Increase the meaningful engagement of young people and youth organizations in society, including active involvement in decision-making processes at all levels.Foster Exchange and Mutual Understanding:
Promote the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices, while advancing mutual understanding, equal rights, and equal opportunities among young people.Uphold Core Values:
Champion intercultural understanding, democracy, diversity, human rights, respect, active citizenship, and solidarity among youth communities globally.Advance Global Youth Work:
Contribute to the development and strengthening of youth work initiatives in all regions of the world, supporting capacity building and innovation.Influence Youth Policy:
Positively influence policy matters affecting young people and youth organizations by serving as a recognized and credible partner to international institutions, including the United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe, Commonwealth, African Union, and others.Educate for Peace and Sustainability:
Impart education on human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to foster a culture of peace, tolerance, cooperation, and global citizenship among youth.Promote Youth Mainstreaming:
Advocate for youth policy as an integrated, cross-sectoral element of overall policy development, ensuring youth perspectives are mainstreamed into broader policy agendas.Strengthen Youth Organizations:
Facilitate the development of sustainable, independent, and resilient youth organizations at national and international levels, with a focus on ensuring dependable and adequate funding.Empower Youth Leadership:
Empower young people to realize their rights and responsibilities through education, awareness-raising, and collective action on human rights and sustainable development.Advance Human Rights Education:
Promote a shared understanding of fundamental principles and methodologies for human rights education based on internationally recognized standards.Build Informed Generations:
Raise awareness among youth about global human rights challenges, promote adaptive leadership behavior, and strengthen youth inclusion in decision-making processes.Support Youth-Driven Initiatives:
Foster and support youth-led action toward the implementation of innovative ideas for the betterment of societies, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and sustainable impact.