Misk Foundation and UN Launch Global Youth Network

The Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) and the United Nations Youth Office have announced the establishment of the Global Youth Network, a new international platform designed to connect independent youth-serving organizations worldwide with leadership development and policy-making mechanisms at the global level. The announcement was made during the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, coinciding with World Youth Day, with the network officially set to launch during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026.

Context and Background

The Global Youth Network represents the first collaboration of its kind between Misk Foundation and the UN Youth Office, building on a partnership established in 2018. The initiative aims to bring together independent organizations dedicated to serving youth from different regions, providing structured development pathways that enable young people to engage in global policy discussions and decision-making processes. This announcement underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in fostering international youth cooperation and aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.

Key Details

Dr. Badr Al-Badr, CEO of Misk Foundation, stated: “Through the Global Youth Network, we bring young people and decision-makers together to co-create international policies and turn youth visions into actionable tools and field strategies, designed by them to address today’s global challenges.” Meanwhile, Felipe Paullier, UN Youth Office Director and Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, emphasized that providing sustainable development opportunities for young people will enable them to genuinely participate in global decision-making and have a real impact. He stressed that the network will leverage the partnership between the UN Youth Office and Misk Foundation to establish mechanisms supporting youth participation in global governance.

The Global Youth Network will operate around four pillars: enhancing youth capacities in public policy and representation; creating clear development pathways for youth to access UN platforms and global forums; amplifying the voices and influence of diverse and underrepresented youth groups; and providing member organizations with tools, data, and shared knowledge. Currently, the network includes a group of independent organizations focused on youth services in areas such as policy, education, and civic engagement. Through these founding members, the network aims to represent the voices of more than 20 million young people globally.

Implications and Impact

The establishment of the Global Youth Network signals a significant step toward institutionalizing youth participation in global governance. By connecting grassroots organizations with UN mechanisms, the network creates a structured channel for young people to influence policies that affect their futures. This initiative also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic engagement in international youth affairs, positioning the Kingdom as a key partner in global youth empowerment efforts. The network’s focus on underrepresented groups ensures that diverse perspectives are brought to the table, fostering more inclusive decision-making processes at the international level.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Global Youth Network directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes youth development and leadership as essential drivers of national transformation. By empowering young people to participate in global policy-making, the Kingdom reinforces its commitment to nurturing a generation capable of contributing to a prosperous and sustainable future. This initiative exemplifies how Saudi Arabia leverages its partnerships to extend its impact beyond borders, aligning with the Vision’s goal of building a vibrant society with global engagement.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Global Youth Network?

A1. The Global Youth Network is a new international platform established by the Misk Foundation and the UN Youth Office to connect youth-serving organizations worldwide with global leadership development and policy-making mechanisms.

Q2. When was the Global Youth Network announced?

A2. The network was announced during the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, coinciding with World Youth Day. The official launch will take place during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026.

Q3. What is the main goal of the Global Youth Network?

A3. The main goal is to enable young people to participate in global policy-making and decision-making processes, turning their visions into actionable tools and strategies that address contemporary global challenges.

Q4. Which organizations are involved in this initiative?

A4. The initiative involves the Misk Foundation (Mohammed bin Salman Foundation) and the United Nations Youth Office. It brings together independent youth-serving organizations from various regions.

Q5. How does the network aim to represent youth voices?

A5. Through its founding member organizations, the network aims to represent the voices of over 20 million young people globally, ensuring diverse and underrepresented groups are heard.

Q6. What are the four pillars of the Global Youth Network?

A6. The four pillars are: enhancing youth capacities in public policy, creating development pathways for UN platforms, amplifying underrepresented voices, and providing tools and shared knowledge to member organizations.

Q7. How will the network facilitate youth participation in global governance?

A7. The network will establish mechanisms that support youth participation in global governance, leveraging the partnership between the UN Youth Office and Misk Foundation to provide structured entry points for young people.

Q8. What is the significance of the 2018 partnership between Misk and the UN?

A8. The 2018 partnership laid the foundation for collaboration, and the Global Youth Network builds on this established relationship to create a formal platform for youth engagement.

Q9. Who are the key figures quoted in the announcement?

A9. Dr. Badr Al-Badr, CEO of Misk Foundation, and Felipe Paullier, UN Youth Office Director and Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, provided statements.

Q10. How does the network relate to Vision 2030?

A10. The network aligns with Vision 2030 by empowering youth as leaders and contributors to a vibrant society, extending Saudi Arabia’s global engagement and impact.

Q11. Will the network be open to new member organizations?

A11. The announcement indicates that the network currently includes founding members, but future expansion is likely as it aims to connect independent youth organizations globally.

Q12. What types of organizations are included as founding members?

A12. Founding members include independent organizations focused on youth services, particularly in areas such as policy, education, and civic engagement.

Q13. How does the network ensure representation of underrepresented youth?

A13. One of its pillars explicitly focuses on strengthening the voices and influence of diverse and underrepresented youth groups, ensuring inclusive participation.

Q14. What is the role of the UN Youth Office in this network?

A14. The UN Youth Office collaborates with Misk to establish the network, providing institutional support and leveraging its global platform to facilitate youth participation in UN processes.

Q15. How can young people benefit from the Global Youth Network?

A15. Young people can benefit through capacity-building opportunities, access to global forums, and the chance to influence policies that affect their lives and futures.

Q16. What is the timeline for the network’s launch?

A16. The network was announced in August 2026 and will officially launch during the UN General Assembly in September 2026.

Q17. What does the network offer to member organizations?

A17. It provides member organizations with tools, data, shared knowledge, and development pathways, enhancing their capacity to engage in global policy-making.

Q18. How does this initiative reflect Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A18. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation and youth empowerment, positioning the Kingdom as a key partner in shaping global youth policies.

Q19. What makes the Global Youth Network unique?

A19. It is the first platform of its kind created jointly by Misk Foundation and the UN Youth Office, combining grassroots youth organizations with UN-level governance.

Q20. What are the expected outcomes of the network?

A20. Expected outcomes include increased youth participation in global decision-making, stronger youth networks, and tangible policy contributions that address contemporary challenges.

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