Young people are a potent force in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement representing approximately 50% of volunteers and numbering almost 7 million. Young people however are also disproportionately affected by the rapid and significant changes occurring in the world around them; urbanisation, violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, unemployment and the global economic downturn, with the increasing complexity and spread of health, environmental and social issues all present challenges to our youth at a time in their lives when they are often less equipped to deal with them than adults.
In the face of these multiple challenges some young people also have unprecedented opportunities before them. Increasing access to information, rapid technological advancements, improved mobility and entrepreneurship offer opportunities to excel. Recent events around the world have delivered powerful examples of the potential of young people to mobilise, engage in social, economic, and political issues and to drive the change they want to see around them.
For the IFRC, there are many opportunities to support young people on these journeys. The IFRC Youth Engagement Strategy (Y.E.S.), aims to articulate an approach that supports young people to do more, do better, and reach further in their local communities and beyond.