Project Summary
Young people are at the forefront of climate and social change, yet their voices and leadership are often underrepresented in decision-making processes. Climate change, social inequalities, and economic uncertainty disproportionately affect youth, especially those from marginalized communities, while limiting their opportunities to shape solutions.
This project aims to strengthen youth civic engagement to build climate and social resilience at the community and local government levels. By empowering young people with knowledge, leadership skills, and platforms for participation, the initiative will enable youth to co-create inclusive, climate-resilient solutions and actively contribute to democratic processes, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
Problem Statement
Across many regions, youth face systemic barriers to meaningful civic participation, including:
- Limited access to decision-making spaces and policy processes
- Insufficient climate and civic education opportunities
- High levels of youth unemployment and social exclusion
- Weak intergenerational dialogue and trust
- Climate-related shocks that exacerbate social and economic vulnerabilities
Without inclusive civic engagement, climate and resilience policies risk overlooking youth perspectives and missing innovative, community-driven solutions.
Project Goal
To strengthen climate and social resilience by empowering youth as active civic leaders, advocates, and co-creators of local solutions.
Specific Objectives
- Increase youth knowledge and skills in civic engagement, climate action, and social resilience.
- Create inclusive platforms for youth participation in local decision-making.
- Support youth-led climate and social initiatives at the community level.
- Strengthen collaboration between youth, local authorities, and civil society.
Target Beneficiaries
- Youth aged 15–35, with a focus on women and marginalized groups
- Youth-led organizations and informal youth networks
- Local governments and community institutions
- Civil society organizations working with young people
Key Activities
- Objective 1: Youth Capacity Building
- Training programs on civic rights, governance, and climate resilience
- Leadership, advocacy, and policy engagement workshops
- Digital skills training for civic participation and storytelling
- Objective 2: Youth Participation Platforms
- Establishment of youth councils or youth advisory boards
- Youth-led community dialogues and town hall meetings
- Digital platforms for youth feedback and civic engagement
- Objective 3: Youth-Led Action and Innovation
- Small grants for youth-led climate and social initiatives
- Mentorship and incubation support for youth projects
- Peer-to-peer learning and exchange programs
- Objective 4: Policy Engagement and Partnerships
- Structured dialogue between youth and local authorities
- Youth participation in climate planning and resilience strategies
- Multi-stakeholder forums linking youth, NGOs, and policymakers
Expected Outcomes
- Increased youth participation in civic and climate decision-making
- Enhanced leadership and advocacy skills among young people
- Youth-led initiatives contributing to climate and social resilience
- Strengthened trust and collaboration between youth and institutions
- More inclusive and responsive local policies and programs
Monitoring and Evaluation
The project will apply a results-based M&E framework, including:
- Baseline and endline assessments of youth civic engagement
- Tracking participation rates and youth-led initiatives
- Outcome indicators on skills, policy influence, and community impact
- Regular learning and reflection sessions
Sustainability Strategy
Sustainability will be supported through:
- Institutionalization of youth participation mechanisms
- Strengthening youth organizations and leadership pipelines
- Long-term partnerships with local governments and civil society
- Integration of youth initiatives into local development plans
Gender, Equity, and Inclusion
The project will ensure:
- Equal participation of young women and marginalized youth
- Safe, inclusive, and accessible engagement spaces
- Gender-sensitive and culturally responsive programming
- Youth-led approaches that reflect diverse lived experiences
Climate and Social Impact
- Increased community resilience to climate shocks
- Improved social cohesion and civic trust
- Youth-driven solutions addressing local vulnerabilities
- Stronger intergenerational collaboration
Indicative Budget (Summary)
- Youth training and capacity building: XX%
- Participation platforms and civic engagement activities: XX%
- Youth-led grants and innovation support: XX%
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning: XX%
- Project management and coordination: XX%
Conclusion
Youth civic engagement is a powerful driver of climate and social resilience. By investing in young people as leaders and partners, this project will foster inclusive governance, innovative solutions, and resilient communities equipped to face climate and social challenges.
