Every day, IYF recognizes the challenges and contributions of the world's young people and seeks to increase their access to opportunity. While we don't wait until the calendar nears International Youth Day, August 12, to draw attention to the importance of investing in youth, we do seize the chance to highlight the perspectives of young women and men on topics of global concern. Youth voices reflect individual experiences as well as similarities, in terms of outlook and challenges, that span international borders. Even more, they demonstrate young people's intelligence, passion, and desire for change.
This year, we set out to hear directly from them about the 2018 theme, safe spaces. We asked young women and men from a set of countries and cities where we have partnerships the following questions:
- What does having “safe spaces” mean to you in your daily life? Why are they important?
- In your opinion, what should be done to make cities and towns more inclusive, safer, resilient, and sustainable?
- How can decision-makers ensure that youth perspectives on safe spaces and other issues are heard and given proper attention?
- What else is a top priority for you?