This year’s International Youth Day theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” underscores the transformative role of young people in adapting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to local realities. It is a reminder that youth are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are innovators, decision makers, and active agents of change in their communities and beyond.

While inclusion is vital, the challenge lies in ensuring that youth participation goes beyond representation to genuine influence. On this International Youth Day, I share my reflections as a young professional at the start of my career, exploring how youth within international institutions such as the United Nations can meaningfully contribute to positive change in their own workplaces.

My recent internship with the Strategic Communications and Gender Units at UNOAU has given me a front row view of how multilateral institutions engage with youth. This engagement happens both internally, by offering pathways for young professionals, and externally, by partnering with youth-led organisations in the peace and security space. Working alongside seasoned colleagues was a masterclass in diplomacy and communication. Whether attending conferences, joining internal meetings, or helping shape outreach campaigns, each moment was a learning opportunity.

What stood out most, however, was being given space to contribute by sharing my opinions on initiatives like She Stands for Peace or helping to organise a joint photo exhibition for the International Day of UN Peacekeepers alongside our partner, African Union.

I quickly learned that there truly is no such thing as a “silly” idea, only what can be acted upon and what cannot at a given time. The willingness of my colleagues to listen, even when decisions differed, was a powerful reminder of the value of openness in institutional settings.

From my perspective, the first step in motivating young professionals is recognising that fresh perspectives are as valuable as years of experience. Encouraging us to think beyond established practices sparks new approaches to complex challenges. Youth bring creativity, adaptability, and a global mindset that can complement the institutional knowledge of more senior colleagues.

Of course, multilateral work comes with its own hierarchies. Senior leaders hold decision-making authority and institutional memory that young professionals have yet to acquire. But these dynamics can unintentionally make junior staff hesitant to speak openly. For youth participation to be truly meaningful, institutions must create environments where younger voices are not just invited to the table but empowered to speak freely without fear of being dismissed.

For me, International Youth Day is both a celebration and a call to action to ensure that young people are not only recognised for their achievements but supported with structures that allow authentic contributions. My time at UNOAU has shown me that when young professionals are trusted with responsibility and given the space to express their ideas, they can rise to the occasion.

When youth are empowered to bring their full voice and vision to the table, they are not just shaping their own futures; they are helping to shape the future of the institutions they serve, and the communities they aim to impact.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the United Nations Office to the African Union.