Beyond the Buzzword: What Does Meaningful Youth Engagement Really Look Like?

We hear it all the time: "youth engagement is essential."
But what does meaningful youth engagement really look like in practice?

This International Youth Day, we’re opening up a conversation on how young people are included in shaping the policies, programmes, and decisions that affect them.

💬 Tell us:

  • What does "meaningful youth engagement" mean to you?

  • Have you experienced or witnessed youth participation that felt tokenistic? What made it feel that way?

  • Have you seen it done well? What worked?

Let’s challenge assumptions and highlight what real youth power looks like. 📣 👏

Your input could go further!
Selected quotes from this discussion may be featured in an upcoming Meaningful Youth Engagement training package by the ILO. Share your voice — it could help shape how others engage youth more meaningfully.

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