The EU Youth Empowerment Fund

Launched in October 2023 and implemented through the Big Six youth organisations, the €10 million pilot initiative provides youth-friendly funding for projects that contribute to the sustainable development of local communities.

The partnership marked the first anniversary of the Youth Action Plan for EU External Action, the EU’s policy framework for a strategic partnership with young people to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.

As a flagship initiative of the Youth Action Plan, and designed by, with and for young people, the EU Youth Empowerment Fund provides and facilitates access to vital resources for young people to contribute to the sustainable development of their local communities and societies in EU partner countries across the world to reach the objectives of Agenda 2030, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. 

The Fund was launched in Nairobi, Kenya in the presence of the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen, Carlos Sanvee, the Chair of the GYM, and young leaders worldwide.

This partnership is dedicated to dismantling barriers to funding and providing crucial opportunities for mentoring, coaching, and capacity building. We aim to ensure that marginalized and underrepresented communities have equitable access to resources. Moreover, we are committed to engaging, empowering, and mobilizing young people to address the most pressing global challenges, ranging from climate change and gender equality to education and employment access issues. Together, young people are forging their impactful local solutions to these monumental challenges.

“Together with the Big Six, we will facilitate access for young people to the tools they need to initiate change and mobilise their peers. Our micro-grants will support youth-led projects, contribute to sustainable development and build recognition for young people as change-makers.”


– Jutta Urpilainen
EU Commissioner for International Partnerships at the 4 October 2023 launch in Nairobi, Kenya.

Designed with young people for young people

Providing funding and capacity-building

Empowering young people to take action

Combining resources for bigger impact

How does it work?

Youth-led and youth co-created initiatives have enormous potential to contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

  • The Fund will support mentoring and coaching opportunities. 
  • Young people will lead in all aspects, from selecting grant beneficiaries to sitting on the initiative’s Board, supporting mentoring and capacity-strengthening programs, and participating in the design, leadership, and implementation of projects.

APPLY NOW to be a Youth panellist and Senior Youth Panellist 2024 (applications end on May 31)

and stay tuned for more information on upcoming opportunities.

Current Opportunities

“Young people are the solution, not the problem. Time and again, they have the solutions to the challenges they and their communities face. The future is theirs”.
– Carlos SanveeWorld YMCA Secretary General and Chair, Global Youth Mobilization
 “Young people are the experts in their own lives. We know that when given direct access to resources, the opportunity to lead, and the support and networking opportunities to connect with one another, they can make a positive difference for themselves and their communities.”
– Helga MutasingwaYouth Representative and Activist
“The main aspect [I have learned] is confidence and determination, because after having won a fund that lets you carry out a project, it is self-confidence and the idea that you can generate and find funding for more projects that is the most valuable thing that the experience leaves you.”
– Francisco ParedesProject Leader, Ecuador

Contact us

For further information about the Global Youth Mobilization, please contact:
global.youthmobilization@ifrc.org