Different Contexts, Common Aspirations: Why Young People Must Be Partners in Sustainable Development

Abstract

Young people across the world face sharply unequal starting conditions, shaped by geography, access, identity, institutional context, and exposure, yet international research and PURE's field experience point to recurring aspirations for dignity, education, livelihoods, safety, and influence over decisions that affect their lives. This brief argues that sustainable development requires treating young people as partners rather than beneficiaries or symbolic participants, drawing on youth participation theory and current UN guidance. It introduces the Recognise-Include-Equip-Partner-Account framework, illustrates it with field experience from PURE's Youth Hub programming, and offers recommendations for governments, institutions, funders, and civil society ahead of International Youth Day 2026.