Youth Leadership
Focus & Rationale
Youth leadership refers to the process of enabling young people to develop the confidence, skills, and mindset to actively participate in shaping their communities and societies. It is not limited to formal political roles – it includes grassroots organizing, creative activism, digital advocacy, and everyday acts of social responsibility. Youth leadership is about recognizing the agency of young people and providing them with meaningful opportunities to contribute to decision-making processes that affect their lives and futures.
Challenges & Relevance
Young people represent not only a large portion of the global population but also a tremendous force for innovation, energy, and change. However, they are often excluded from public discourse and political processes, or perceived only as passive recipients of support. In contexts of crisis, conflict, and transition, youth are frequently among the most affected – yet least empowered to act. Supporting youth leadership is essential for sustainable democracy, intergenerational dialogue, and inclusive policy-making. When young people are trusted and supported, they become active citizens, community leaders, and creative problem-solvers.
Our Approach
At BRIC, we view youth as key partners in creating social change. We develop targeted programs that build leadership skills through experiential learning, intercultural exchange, and civic engagement. This includes youth leadership labs, training-for-trainers, thematic bootcamps, and international exchanges that connect young people from different backgrounds and countries.
Our initiatives emphasize peer learning, collaborative problem-solving, and mentorship by experienced civic actors. We also support youth-led projects and platforms that give young people the chance to lead on their own terms. Whether in local communities or European forums, we strive to ensure that youth voices are not only heard, but actively shaping the future.