UNGA80: Commemorating 30 Years of the World Programme of Action for Youth

Last week, I had the honor of attending the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY30) at United Nations Headquarters in New York. As one of the youth delegates representing the Learning Planet Institute, it was a humbling and empowering experience to witness world leaders, policymakers, and young changemakers come together to reflect on three decades of progress and the road ahead for youth development.

Why WPAY Matters

The World Programme of Action for Youth was adopted by the United Nations in 1995 as the first global blueprint to guide national and international policies for young people. Thirty years later, this meeting provided a platform to assess achievements, identify gaps, and reaffirm commitments. The program spans critical areas such as education, employment, health, environment, and participation — issues that remain at the core of what youth face today.

Key Messages From the Meeting

In the plenary sessions, leaders emphasized that youth are not just beneficiaries of development, but essential partners in shaping it. Too often, conversations about supporting young people stay at the level of promises and advocacy, without translating into action. What stood out most to me was the repeated call for meaningful youth participation: not just being “in the room,” but being trusted with decision-making power.

Some country representatives spoke about national strategies, while others shared how youth-led initiatives were making real impacts in their communities. The diversity of perspectives reflected the urgency of making youth voices part of global policymaking, not as an afterthought, but as a necessity for sustainable change.

A Youth Delegate’s Perspective

Sitting in the UN chamber, I felt both the weight of the challenges youth face and the hope that comes from seeing global attention directed toward them. My biggest takeaway was that creating a more sustainable future requires youth to be at the table, not just on the agenda. Whether the issue is poverty in developing countries or mental health among teenagers, solutions must reflect the needs and ideas of young people themselves.

Bringing It Back Home

For me, this experience reinforced the importance of amplifying youth voices in every space — from international summits to local communities. At Visioning Ambition, we are committed to ensuring that orphans and underprivileged youth are not left behind in these conversations. True progress comes when every young person, regardless of background, is empowered to share their story, contribute their vision, and shape the policies that affect their lives.

Final Reflection

WPAY30 was not only a milestone for the UN but also a reminder that the next 30 years will be defined by how we act today. Youth are the foundation for our future, and investing in their voices, well-being, and leadership is the most powerful way to build a world that is more inclusive, sustainable, and just.