NETWORK FOR YOUTH-LED ACTIVISM

A Global Platform is a space where young people come together around a common dream of progressive change – and get a chance to turn that dream into reality. Through training, action and networking Global Platforms act as incubators for volunteers and activists, amplifiers for social movements and safe spaces for young people from marginalised groups.

Each Global Platform is part of a network that connects young people across the world – to share experiences and inspiration, solidarity actions, digital trainings, volunteer opportunities, cultural exchanges and much more.

Global Platforms vary in size and shape: From a simple room to a bigger setup with café, training facilities and cultural events. It is usually hosted by a locally rooted organisation (such as a local ActionAid affiliate or partner). Often a larger Global Platform is connected to several hubs around the country. In places of conflict and humanitarian emergency Global Platforms can be mobile or temporary spaces where young people organise to strengthen disaster response, recovery and resilience.

Though challenges and visions for young people can be very different from country to country – or from city to village – the Global Platforms network is tied together by a shared methodology around organising for change. Through decades of experience and collaboration we have gathered tools, methods and support mechanisms that guide young people through dynamic processes of organising, strategy development, and courageous confrontations with institutions of power, empowering individuals not only to learn but to become agents of social change.

A Global Platform is first and foremost a place to meet, exchange ideas and organise. Staff and volunteers are trained to support and coach young people. Tools and methodologies are constantly refined, to accommodate changing realities, such as conflict and humanitarian emergencies or increased digitalization. Regardless of local differences, each platform acts as a safe space that adheres to basic human rights and shared values of feminism, climate justice and protection of marginalized groups.

We’re big on intersectionality, and always looking for new partners and allies across sectors! With our vast global network of hubs, communities and allied networks, we’re always working on something new and keen to share opportunities with others!

A partnership with Global Platforms can help you to:

• Increase the capacity of your organisation/movement/network to ensure progressive youth-led change. Read more about our tailor-made capacity development activities.
• Improve your capacity to facilitate participatory and action-oriented training with a high level of participant engagement – that will continue beyond the training.
• Initiate new youth-focused projects and activities together, either supported by or in cooperation with Global Platforms.
• Become part of an extensive international network for youth-led activism – where you will be working with inspiring, creative activists and political change makers from all over the world.

The Global Platforms Secretariat is hosted by ActionAid Denmark with staff based across multiple countries. The secretariat organises the network, co-creates tools and methodologies and offers training to support all Global Platforms and their staff in various ways. The secretariat holds monthly global meetings, organises face-to-face gatherings and hosts online talks and discussions.