Currently, 122 out of 198 countries have established a national youth policy. This reflect a widespread recognition of the importance of investing in young people. The interactive map below provides a visual overview of the status of youth policy frameworks across the world. While 62% of countries have a defined youth policy, the quality and scope of each policy varies widely.

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Some countries have comprehensive, well-funded policies that actively engage youth in decision-making, whereas others may have policies in place on paper, but face challenges in execution due to limited resources. Yet others are attempting to pass draft proposals, and others have not considered developing one such policy.

 

Youth policies are imperative to empower the youth, promote social inclusion, and reinforce long-term national growth. A successful youth policy can serve as a stimulant to address youth employment, gender inequality, digital access, and climate change engagement. As global challenges continue to evolve, there is an urgent demand for responsive, adaptive, inclusive, forward-looking, and cooperative youth policies that respond as well as adapt. Governments, civil society organizations, and international agencies must collaborate among themselves to ascertain that not only are such policies formulated but also appropriately implemented and regularly revised to address the dynamic needs of young people.