OpEd: From Dialogue to Action: Partnering with Young People to Build a More Resilient Maldives

In Maldives, it is often said that young people are ‘the future.’ But with over 40% of our population under the age of 25, they are equally the present – bringing energy, ideas, and leadership to the issues shaping our communities, economy, and environment today.

This year’s International Youth Day theme – Local Youth-Led Action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – is a reminder that young people are not waiting for tomorrow to make a difference. Across Maldives, they are already offering creative and practical solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.

In recent years, I have seen Maldivian young people take the lead on issues ranging from climate action to mental health awareness, digital literacy, and tobacco-free living. Their passion is evident, and their impact is growing. But too often, youth engagement ends with participation in a consultation or campaign, without a clear pathway to influence decisions or shape the policies that affect their lives.

At UNICEF, we are working with the Government and partners to change that. We are committed to expanding opportunities for young people to not only speak out but also be heard – and to see their ideas reflected in the actions we take. Whether it’s developing mental health and wellbeing tools, rethinking school curricula, or designing climate resilient solutions, young people must be co-creators, not just contributors.

While we have made some progress such as the formation of our Youth Reference Group and the Climate Guardians platforms — we know we can do more to leverage the agency of young people, empower them to lead, build their resilience and enable more platforms to harness their creativity.

And we believe the moment to act is now.

As a young Maldivian who has been part of many youth consultations, I can say firsthand that being invited into the room matters. It signals respect and recognition. But dialogue alone is not enough. What young people like us truly need are clear and consistent opportunities to translate our voices into action.

Some of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had were through UNICEF-supported platforms where young people were encouraged to put forward bold ideas and advocate for the issues we care about.

My ask from all stakeholders today and every day is to stay engaged with us beyond these conversations and build meaningful partnerships with young people. Only through sustained collaboration can we move from dialogue to tangible outcomes and lasting impact.

We need more structured, consistent mechanisms that ensure youth voices are not only heard but translated into action. This means expanding support for youth-led initiatives, involving young people in the design and implementation of school and community programmes, and creating more opportunities for direct engagement between decision-makers and young people.

We believe that meaningful youth engagement must go beyond events or statements – it must be a sustained partnership.

This means ensuring that young people from all backgrounds, especially the most vulnerable and marginalised, have access to knowledge, resources, and platforms to contribute meaningfully to national development.

These approaches not only empower young people, but will also make national policies more inclusive, responsive, and effective – from climate action and education reform to health, protection and wellbeing.

As we mark International Youth Day, we collectively call on the Government, civil society, and private sector partners to work hand in hand with young people – not only as beneficiaries, but as equal partners in shaping a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Maldives.

Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are already leading today. Let’s listen to them, partner with them, and act alongside them. Because when we get it right for children and young people, we get it right for the whole society and nation.