Misk Foundation and UN Launch Global Youth Network

Riyadh, August 18, 2026 – The Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk” and the United Nations Youth Office have announced the creation of the Global Youth Network, a new international platform designed to connect independent youth organizations worldwide with global policy-making and leadership processes. The announcement was made during the Youth Assembly (AFS) meeting in Geneva, on the occasion of World Youth Day. The network will officially launch during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026 in New York.

Context and Background

The Global Youth Network represents the first platform of its kind created by the Misk Foundation in collaboration with the UN Youth Office. It brings together independent youth-serving organizations from various regions, offering structured pathways for young people to participate in policy-making and decision-making at a global scale. The initiative builds on the partnership between Misk Foundation and the United Nations, established in 2018.

Key Details

Dr. Badr Al Badr, CEO of the Misk Foundation, stated: “Through the Global Youth Network, we are bringing together young people and policymakers to jointly shape international policies, transforming their visions into actionable tools and field strategies that they design to address the challenges of their world.”

Felipe Paullier, Head of the UN Youth Office and Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, emphasized that sustainable opportunities for young people will enable them to have a real influence on global decision-making, and that the Global Youth Network will help build this infrastructure, supported by the partnership between the UN Youth Office and the Misk Foundation.

The network is built on four pillars: enhancing youth capacities in public policy and representation; opening clear pathways to UN platforms and global forums; strengthening the presence of diverse youth voices and underrepresented groups; and providing member organizations with tools, data, and shared knowledge.

Implications and Impact

The network will gather independent organizations focused on youth services in areas such as public policy, education, and civic participation. Through its founding members, it aims to represent more than 20 million young people worldwide. This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global youth empowerment and aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes developing the potential of Saudi youth as key drivers of national transformation and international collaboration.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The launch of the Global Youth Network is a testament to the Kingdom’s leadership in fostering cross-border partnerships that empower youth. By supporting this initiative, the Misk Foundation, a flagship entity of Vision 2030, reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for innovation and dialogue. This collaboration with the United Nations will help shape a more inclusive and sustainable future, where young voices are central to global policy-making, aligning perfectly with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Global Youth Network?

A1. The Global Youth Network is a new international platform established by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk” and the United Nations Youth Office. It connects independent youth organizations worldwide to global policy-making and leadership processes.

Q2. When was the announcement made?

A2. The announcement was made on August 18, 2026, during the Youth Assembly meeting in Geneva, on the occasion of World Youth Day.

Q3. When will the network be officially launched?

A3. The network will be officially launched during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026 in New York.

Q4. What is the primary goal of the network?

A4. The primary goal is to enable young people to participate in policy-making and decision-making at a global level, connecting them with decision-makers and international organizations.

Q5. Who are the key partners involved?

A5. The key partners are the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk” and the United Nations Youth Office, building on a partnership established in 2018.

Q6. Who is the CEO of the Misk Foundation?

A6. Dr. Badr Al Badr is the CEO of the Misk Foundation. He highlighted that the network brings together youth and policymakers to shape international policies.

Q7. Who is the head of the UN Youth Office?

A7. Felipe Paullier is the Head of the UN Youth Office and Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. He emphasized the network’s role in building infrastructure for youth influence.

Q8. What are the four pillars of the network?

A8. The four pillars are: enhancing youth capacities in public policy, opening pathways to UN platforms, strengthening diverse youth voices, and providing tools and data to member organizations.

Q9. How many young people does the network aim to represent?

A9. The network aims to represent more than 20 million young people through its founding member organizations.

Q10. What types of organizations are part of the network?

A10. The network includes independent organizations focused on youth services in public policy, education, and civic participation.

Q11. Where will the network be based?

A11. The network is international, with its launch at the UN General Assembly in New York. The announcement was made in Geneva, but it operates globally.

Q12. How does the network relate to Vision 2030?

A12. The network aligns with Vision 2030 by empowering youth and fostering global collaboration, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing youth potential and leadership.

Q13. What is the significance of the partnership with the UN?

A13. The partnership with the UN enhances the network’s credibility and reach, enabling it to connect with global policy frameworks and platforms, thus amplifying youth voices.

Q14. How will the network help youth in policy-making?

A14. It provides training, resources, and direct access to UN platforms and forums, allowing youth to contribute to policy discussions and decision-making processes.

Q15. What does the network offer to member organizations?

A15. It offers tools, data, shared knowledge, and opportunities for collaboration, as well as pathways to engage with global institutions and amplify their impact.

Q16. What is the role of the Misk Foundation in the network?

A16. The Misk Foundation co-created the network and provides strategic guidance, leveraging its experience in youth empowerment and its international partnerships.

Q17. How does the network ensure diversity and inclusion?

A17. It emphasizes strengthening the presence of diverse youth voices and underrepresented groups, ensuring that the network reflects a wide range of perspectives.

Q18. What is the expected impact on global youth?

A18. The network is expected to empower youth to influence global policies, leading to more inclusive and youth-responsive decision-making, and fostering a generation of leaders.

Q19. Are there any specific initiatives planned under the network?

A19. The network will offer capacity-building programs, mentorship, and access to UN events. Specific initiatives will be announced at the launch in September 2026.

Q20. How can organizations join the network?

A20. Organizations can express interest through the Misk Foundation or UN Youth Office channels. Further details will be provided upon official launch.

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