Global Citizen highlights youth-led solutions backed by the Global Youth Mobilization

Date: 18 February 2026

Global Citizen has published a feature spotlighting how young people are leading change in their communities, and how the Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) is helping make that possible.

GYM is a youth-led initiative that resources and strengthens youth-led action through funding, mentorship, and capacity building. It was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic by six global youth-focused organisations, including World YMCA, working together to ensure young people have real decision-making power and the support to turn ideas into action.

The article also features Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General of World YMCA and Chair of the Global Youth Mobilization Board, who highlights four priorities young people consistently raise: mental health, access to jobs, climate issues, and peace.

Global Citizen notes that GYM has engaged more than 2 million young people in 140+ countries since late 2020. It also highlights the Youth Empowerment Fund, delivered in partnership with the European Union, which has supported 1,800+ youth-led initiatives and reached over 2 million people across multiple regions.

Read the complete article here. 

“Young people are talking to us about four main topics that are important to them, and that they want to address: mental health, access to jobs, climate issues, and peace".

Carlos Sanvee

World YMCA Secretary General, Chair of GYM