The Youth Empowerment Fund is a €10 million pilot initiative launched in October 2023 by the European Union.
Implemented by the Big Six Youth Organisations through the Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) initiative, the Youth Empowerment Fund supports young people in leading projects that contribute to the sustainable development of their communities.
Designed by, with and for young people, the Fund prioritises youth-led solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from climate change and gender equality to access to education and employment. It seeks to ensure that marginalised and underrepresented communities are included and empowered through equitable access to funding, mentoring and capacity-building.
Through this partnership, the Youth Empowerment Fund enables youth-led decision-making and the local implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
As a partner in GYM, WAGGGS is enabling its Member Organisations to implement community-based projects that reflect girls’ and young women’s priorities and experiences. The Fund will support the delivery of youth-led activities, advocacy, partnerships and skills development that promote resilience, inclusion and environmental sustainability.
WAGGGS is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent young people from accessing the resources they need to lead change in their communities. With the support of the Youth Empowerment Fund, we are helping to amplify their leadership and build a fairer, more sustainable future.
"The EU Youth Empowerment Fund is there to help young people get their ideas off the ground and contribute to sustainable development in their community. These concrete opportunities that we are delivering to young change-makers around the world in partnership with the Big Six and the Global Youth Mobilization are exactly what our first-ever EU Youth Action Plan is about: engage, empower, connect."
Find out more about Global Youth Mobilization here.