About Youth 18
Youth 18 is a non-governmental international leadership organisation and the next-generation initiative of Global 18, connecting members across 18 national and regional communities.
Youth 18 is a non-governmental international leadership organisation for emerging leaders whose work, judgement and capacity for contribution carry significance beyond a single institution or field.
The number 18 in Youth 18 refers to its permanent community framework: 15 national communities plus three regional communities. It is not an age reference.
Through Fellowship, mentorship, dialogue and collaborative programmes, Youth 18 creates a structured environment in which participants can develop their leadership, learn across traditional boundaries and build trusted relationships throughout the 18 communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to identify and support emerging leaders across the 18 communities, strengthen their capacity for responsible leadership and create opportunities for meaningful international cooperation.
Our Vision
Our vision is a generation of leaders capable of working across countries, cultures, institutions and disciplines with judgement, integrity and a clear sense of responsibility.
Institutional Purpose
Emerging leaders increasingly work within environments shaped by scientific change, technological development, economic interdependence, cultural complexity and institutional uncertainty.
Youth 18 provides the space, structure and international relationships required to understand these conditions more fully and respond to them with greater maturity.
Institutional standards
Participation reflects demonstrated achievement, leadership responsibility and capacity for wider contribution.
Fellows, mentors and institutional partners are expected to uphold clear standards of conduct and accountability.
Youth 18 encourages informed engagement across countries, regions, cultures and institutions.
Participants are expected to examine serious questions with curiosity, discipline and respect for evidence.
Fellows are expected to contribute time, knowledge and perspective to the wider community.
Leadership is understood as a responsibility to institutions, communities and future generations.
Institutional Relationship
Youth 18 forms the next-generation leadership initiative of Global 18 and shares its framework of 15 national communities and three regional communities.
Youth 18 accepts eligible members and Fellowship candidates with substantive connections to its 15 national communities and three regional communities. Fellows engage with Global 18 members, mentors, initiatives and convenings through defined programme formats.
Discover Global 18