Organized during UNGA80, “WPAY+30: 30 Years of the World Programme of Action for Youth” commemorates three decades since the adoption of the WPAY, bringing together youth, Member States, UN agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders to accelerate implementation of youth-focused policies and intergenerational collaboration.
Mission & Objectives
Reflect & Accelerate: Review progress since the adoption of WPAY in 1995 and identify gaps; accelerate global efforts to fulfil youth priorities in the framework. United Nations+1
Intergenerational Collaboration: Foster cooperation between generations—youth, older leaders, institutions—to co-create solutions and ensure youth voices are central to policies. Major Group for Children and Youth+1
Enhance Youth Participation & Policy Action: Promote meaningful youth engagement, functional youth policies, and stronger mechanisms to support youth development across WPAY’s 15 priority areas (education, employment, health, etc.). social.desa.un.org+2Major Group for Children and Youth+2
Key Features
High-Level Plenary Meeting: Scheduled for 25 September 2025 at UN Headquarters, New York, convened by the President of the General Assembly, under the theme “World Programme of Action for Youth at 30: Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration.” Major Group for Children and Youth
Youth Inputs & Consultations: Extensive contributions from young people gathered (over 125 pages submitted) to inform the UN Secretary-General’s report on youth policies and programmes. Major Group for Children and Youth
Special Accreditation & NGO Participation: Opportunities for youth-led organizations and NGOs to gain special accreditation for involvement in WPAY+30, and engage multi-stakeholder dialogues. Major Group for Children and Youth
At a Glance
WPAY+30 celebrates 30 years since the adoption of the World Programme of Action for Youth, offering a key moment to recommit to youth development globally, update youth policy mechanisms, and strengthen intergenerational cooperation toward youth empowerment across all priority areas. The event will highlight best practices, lessons learned, and provide pathways for implementing more inclusive and effective youth policies.
