Leading Minds
Young people changing the world
It has long been a strength of UNICEF to bring together different stakeholders and partners, including children and young people, to make a change in the face of challenges.
UNICEF Innocenti makes the most of this strength with Leading Minds, a regular series of multi-generational events and a platform for thought leadership created with and driven by young people.
Each event focuses on a topic of critical concern to children and young people – e.g. mental health, child identity, climate change and human capital – and connects generations. Thought leaders, policymakers and knowledge brokers are invited to meet young people – and are often challenged by their ideas. Together, young people and people in positions of power consider issues and seek opportunities.
Leading Minds is built on five key principles:
- Connect to yourself and each other to build a culture that feels safe and secure
- Listen curiously, observe and learn
- Share expertise, experience and opinions
- Discuss ideas in small and large groups
- Act by developing action points
Youth leaders are at the heart of the events, co-facilitating sessions with experts and academics. They come from around the world and represent many different groups.
Their work has an impact well beyond the events. Young people play a pivotal role in UNICEF’s ongoing dialogue on building a better world for children, ensuring that we are always putting their needs and interests at the heart of our work.
2024 Leading Minds Conference
This year’s conference looks at how to move the needle on climate action in areas such as child-centric governance, climate financing, children’s exposure to climate change, equity in energy transition, and climate education and green skills.
Despite international commitments, the burden of climate change is bringing loss of life, biodiversity and infrastructure. It presents a grave threat to children’s rights and prospects. A global mind shift is needed to bring about systemic change to protect our planet and prepare children and young people for the future. To get there, we need to assume responsibility and accelerate the transition.
Young people are increasingly recognized as agents of change and leaders in the climate space. Yet they are drastically under-represented in political and democratic decision-making fora. Leading Minds offers a platform to harness their energy, creativity and drive, rethinking what is possible and fostering intergenerational dialogue.
