“Humanity is built on community: families, neighbourhoods, nationalities, shared beliefs and values. If these communities are not built on curiosity and care, they clash. This is why creating safe spaces is so important to break siloes and build together the future we are all striving for. It’s through conversation, purpose and connection that we will not only go further, but go better too.” Inés Yábar, Expert: Young Leaders for the SGDs, UN Youth Office “During the devastating ethnic conflict in Manipur [India] two years ago, our local Global Shapers Youth Hub became a haven of comfort, solidarity and safety. Years of working together on local issues had built a deep foundation of trust, which allowed us to lean on one another and help our community recover. Today, we continue rebuilding together, by running libraries and learning centres for children in relief camps in our city.” Ningthoujam Asharani, Policy Consultant, Antarang FoundationYouth-led initiatives delivering social outcomesSocial outlook Of youth-led initiatives have partnered with civil societySolutions mapped across more than 150 cities in 66 countries and territories, reaching diverse groups such as young people (58%), women and girls (38%), schools and universities (35%), families and households (24%), minorities and racial groups (17%), people with disabilities (14%), rural populations (14%), and more.Stakeholders 58.3% Young people38.2% Women and girls 35.1% School and universities23.7% Families and householders 17.1% Minorities and racial groups14% People with disabilities 13.6% Rural populations12.3% Other1 Equitable and inclusive societies | 2 Mental health and well-being | 3 Education and skills development | 4 Health equity and healthcare access | 5 Arts, culture and the creative economy | 6 Humanitarian action and response | 7 Migration and displacementTypes of projects 1 Equitable and inclusive societies | 2 Mental health and well-being | 3 Education and skills development | 4 Health equity and healthcare access | 5 Arts, culture and the creative economy | 6 Humanitarian action and response | 7 Migration and displacement0% 10% 20% 30% 40%3%40% 22% 21% 7% 5% 3% Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world 34