Power in our hands: Youth driving humanitarian change

Dear Plan International leaders, humanitarians and colleagues,As we mark International Youth Day and World Humanitarian Day this month, we speak not as passive recipients of aid, but as first responders, innovators and leaders in humanitarian action.The theme Youth Participation in Humanitarian Action is not a token gesture. It is a demand for transformation. It is a call to recognise, respect and resource the leadership of young people in shaping humanitarian responses that are just, inclusive and effective. On 7 August, young voices from across the globe came together in a powerful webinar to share lived experiences, bold ideas and urgent calls to action. We are writing this letter to amplify those voices and ensure they echo far beyond the event.

What’s wrong with the current system?

Too often, youth are tokenised, sidelined or invited into spaces without power. Young people are often excluded from decision-making, underfunded and given superficial roles in humanitarian spaces.We face systemic barriers, especially those in rural areas, girls and young women, youth with disabilities and marginalised communities. Yet, we continue to lead, respond, and rebuild—often without recognition or support. Our lived experiences are undervalued and our innovations are overlooked. This must change.

Our vision for humanitarian action

We envision a system where:

Our demands

We call on Plan International to: These actions must begin now, not tomorrow.

Our message is clear

We urge you to act now. Partner with us, fund us and stand beside us, not behind us.Prepared by: Wedasemariam Telahune and panelists of World Humanitarian Day & International Youth Day: Meaningful Youth Participation in Humanitarian Settings WebinarSigned by: Global Young Influencers GroupNhial JockHamdiatu Batieha Alhassan