Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders of today. As such meaningful youth engagement is a powerful catalyzing process to materialize the sustainable development we hope to achieve by 2030. It is an investment that reiterates the commitment of leaving no one behind, and a unique opportunity to transform the collaborative relationship between different generations working towards the same objective. Founded in 2020, 254 Youth Policy Café (YPC) is a network for young people to engage and foster advocacy and policy change to promote inclusive policies. 254 YPC is tapping into the opportunity to close the youth well-being gap by engaging and mobilizing conversations on youth inclusion in the design and implementation of policies, programs, and projects. 254 YPC fosters timely conversations confronting multidimensional social issues that present barriers to youth’s economic well-being. These include barriers to decent employment, education, health, and civic participation. Our work is a call for action for designing and implementing an inclusive well-being agenda for youth. 254 YPC endeavours to create liaison between the young people and the policymakers and implementers so that youth’s perspectives can be accounted for in the creation of policies, programs, and services. 254 YPC work will feed in starting conversations on a youth roadmap that can serve as a cohesive and targeted plan of action.
Vital Sounouvou (C) of Benin, raises his hand trying to be called on from U.S. President Barack Obama, at the Summit of the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, July 28, 2014. REUTERS/Larry Downing (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS EDUCATION) - GM1EA7T017E01

Our Vision

To Promote Inclusive Youth Development through Policy

Our Mission

To champion the voice of youths in public policy formulation and implementation by making evidence-informed contributions through research, policy dialogues and capacity building.

Our Core Values

1. Inclusion

Consider all perspectives equally and honestly

2. Integrity

Honor the best in ourselves and others

3. Inspiration

Move people to believe in better

4. Innovation

Make a difference, differently

5. Impact

Make a difference, differently

Impact Pathways

  1. Advocacy for political commitments towards supporting young people’s demands and aspirations for a better future
  2. Providing an inclusive platform for young people to engage in a dialogue with decision-makers to share ideas, experiences, and innovative approaches for effectively contributing to the designing of public policies and their implementation.
  3. Influencing legislation, law enforcement, promotion of youth rights or changes of practices in terms of human resources, youth involvement, etc. – depending on the level of policy dialogue
  4. Enhance the effectiveness of public participation of the youth to attain youth inclusive strategies, legislation, and policies.