The Global Youth Workers Conference (GYWC) 2025, held in Accra, Ghana, convened youth workers, policymakers, development partners, and practitioners from around the world. The conference focused on the theme:
Youth Workers for Global Goals: Established, Equipped, and Engaged.
Over several days, participants engaged in key discussions to strengthen the youth work profession, improve international collaboration, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This article presents a summary of the top 10 key moments from GYWC 2025.
10. Launch of the Multi-Stakeholder Platform for Youth Workers
GYWC 2025 introduced the Youth Workers Multi-Stakeholder Platform, a collaborative space designed to connect youth workers, share resources, and support global partnerships. The platform is expected to facilitate cross-border collaboration and provide ongoing professional development opportunities for youth workers worldwide.
9. Presentation of the Accra Global Youth Workers’ Statement
The Accra Global Youth Workers’ Statement was publicly presented. The document outlines shared priorities, key commitments, and areas of focus to strengthen youth work globally. It was developed through extensive consultation and will guide future action within the sector.
8. Signing of the Accra Commitment Statement
The formal signing of the statement by the Organizing and Coordination Committee reinforced a collective commitment to the principles outlined. The signing confirmed the dedication of youth work leaders and organizations to advancing the profession and supporting sustainable youth development.
7. Keynote Address by Dr. David Ochan (UNFPA)
In his keynote address, Dr. David Ochan emphasized the essential role of youth workers in creating opportunities for meaningful youth participation. He highlighted the importance of investing in systems that enable young people to influence policies and decisions that directly affect their lives.
6. Advocacy for Professionalizing Youth Work During the High-Level Panel
During the high-level panel, Peter Anum of the Commonwealth Alliance stressed the need for the professionalization of youth work. He called for the establishment of formal certification systems, clear operational standards, and sustainable support mechanisms to position youth work as a recognized profession.
5. Thematic Workshops Addressing Youth Work Practice and Global Priorities
GYWC 2025 featured six thematic breakout sessions focused on practical solutions and capacity-building for youth workers:
•Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship: Addressing education, job creation, and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth.
• The Future of AI and STEM Education: Promoting innovation in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and artificial intelligence for sustainable development.
• Youth Mental Health and Well-being: Strengthening access to mental health services and psychosocial support for young people.
• Youth Peace and Security: Empowering youth as agents of peacebuilding, inclusion, and conflict prevention.
• Youth in Agribusiness and Climate Change: Exploring the role of young people in sustainable agriculture and climate action.
• Digital Technology, Arts, and Storytelling: Using digital tools, creative arts, and storytelling to amplify youth workers’ impact and advance the SDGs.
4. Cultural Heritage Tour in Accra
Delegates participated in a guided cultural tour of key national landmarks, including the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the Independence Arch. The tour provided context on Ghana’s history and contributions to leadership and independence movements.
3. Framing Youth Work as Social Entrepreneurship
One of the key messages from the conference was the need to view youth work as social entrepreneurship. Discussions emphasized the importance of building sustainable, well-structured youth initiatives that can deliver long-term impact and community development.
2. Emphasizing Youth Workers’ Role in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The conference reinforced the central role of youth workers in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Youth workers were identified as key contributors to achieving progress in education, climate action, employment, health, and social inclusion.
1. Strengthening Global Collaboration Among Youth Workers
GYWC 2025 contributed to strengthening global collaboration among youth workers. The conference facilitated cross-border partnerships, encouraged knowledge sharing, and established new opportunities for joint initiatives within the youth work sector.
Additional Reflections
• Pre-conference consultations and regional surveys informed the agenda, highlighting key sectoral priorities including youth unemployment, climate challenges, digital inclusion, and access to mental health services.
• The Opening Address by Moses Baffour Awuah emphasized the need to equip youth workers to contribute effectively to sustainable development efforts at all levels.
GYWC 2025 provided an opportunity for youth workers to engage in professional development, contribute to policy discussions, and strengthen international networks. The commitments made during the conference will continue to inform youth work practice and global development partnerships in the years ahead.