Every year on 12 August, International Youth Day provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution young people make to our communities, our societies and our future. But it is also a chance to look at something that is sometimes overlooked: young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow. They are already making a difference today.
The theme for International Youth Day 2026 is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” Young people may grow up in very different circumstances, but many share the same hopes. They hope for access to education, decent work, opportunities to develop their skills, a voice in decisions that affect them, and the chance to build a better future. It’s not too much to ask.
At Momentum, much of our work with young people is about creating those opportunities. Through European projects, we work with young people, educators, youth workers and organisations to develop skills, encourage participation and create spaces where young people can explore ideas, learn from others and have their voices heard.
Learning from the past
Memory Makers is one example.
The project encourages young people to explore historical narratives through storytelling, reflection and dialogue. Understanding history isn’t simply about remembering what happened. It can help young people understand how societies have changed, why different perspectives matter and how the stories we tell shape the way we see the world.
Building peace through tourism
Paths2Peace takes a different approach, looking at how tourism can contribute to peacebuilding and social change.
This is more than just a project – it’s a movement where young people like you become the voice for peace, connection, and positive change. We believe tourism isn’t just about travel — it’s about tourism with purpose, powered by a new generation who inspire and bring people together, breaking down barriers, and building a better future for everyone.
Remembering the women who came before
Forgotten Pioneers looks at history through another lens: the stories of migrant women who contributed to science and technology but whose achievements have often been overlooked. There is a clear connection between remembering the achievements of women in STEM and encouraging today’s young people to see themselves as part of those fields.
Making entrepreneurship more inclusive
Not every young person learns, communicates or works in the same way. For Every Brain – Neurodivergent Young Entrepreneurs focuses on creating more inclusive opportunities for neurodivergent young people who want to explore entrepreneurship. For us, this is an important part of meaningful youth engagement. Inclusion isn’t about expecting everyone to fit into the same system. It is about creating opportunities that recognise different strengths, needs and ways of doing things.
At Momentum, education, training and lifelong learning are at the heart of what we do. Our work with young people is one part of that bigger picture. It helps create opportunities for people to develop skills, discover new possibilities and play an active role in shaping the communities they live in, and we are proud to play a part in International Youth Day.
