Building collective power for youth-led activism
Change is possible, and it comes from the power in people. In 2025, one only has to look at global news – or perhaps just your own community – to notice that it is often young people driving that change. They are at the forefront of some of the most important movements right now, from climate justice to the protection of women and girls’ rights.
Empowered youth are the catalysts for positive change.
While ActionAid Arab Region’s (AAAR) programs are predominantly focused on youth, they are not merely the beneficiaries; it’s fair to say that it’s also young people within our partner organisations, and other allies, who drive them.
It’s one of the many reasons that AAAR is proud to be part of the Global Platforms Network that supports young people, organisations and movements fighting for social justice through more than 70 platforms and youth-led initiatives across the world.
Global Platforms create spaces to share and get inspiration, to act on social injustices, and to connect in global solidarity through a worldwide network built around activism and volunteer engagement. As a network for young people – and led by young people – it is a symphony of voices, unity of purpose and catalyst for extraordinary transformations.
ActionAid has created a space where young people come together around a common dream of progressive change – and get a chance to turn that dream into reality.
AAAR has Global Platforms in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan which act as incubators for volunteers and activists, amplifiers for social movements and safe spaces for young people from marginalised groups.
Global Platform Jordan
Global Platform Jordan is a vibrant youth space supported by Drabzeen Human Development – a beacon of empowerment for both refugees and local youth in Jordan.
They host activities every week, fortnight, and month, spanning diverse topics such as feminism, climate justice, social justice, economic justice, and politics. Through engaging debates, dialogue, and informal education, Global Platform Jordan provides a nurturing environment for young minds to flourish. It’s important to them that all activities build a sense of community, and that people who join them feel seen and supported.
"Youth need more than just a space to express themselves; they need tools to shape their future. That’s where we started developing training programs tailored to their dreams and ambitions,” says Drabzeen leadership.
The space actively encourages creative ideas, initiatives, and advocacy campaigns, channeling the energy of the next generation into positive change.
Global Platform Jordan also supports youth groups in the city working in the arts, amplifying the voices and expressions of the burgeoning artistic community.
Global Platform Lebanon
Lebanon’s Global Platform, YARD, is a youth hub that was launched in Tripoli by
SHiFT, in partnership with ActionAid. The hub gathers youth aged 18 to 28, and offers them training and a platform for collaborative community involvement. YARD promotes environmental awareness and was created through a participatory approach, with youth creatively upcycling old materials to decorate the space.
Through various projects, they lead change in climate justice, social engagement and youth empowerment, using their combined voices to reshape the world based on their shared dreams.
Global Platform Syria
The Global Platform project in Syria launched in July 2022. It is designed to empower young people and women by equipping them with leadership skills and enhancing their role in humanitarian work. Given the ongoing challenges in the region, this initiative plays a crucial role in fostering resilience, strengthening community engagement, and promoting sustainable development.
Through a structured approach, the project provides targeted training programs, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experience to develop participants' leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. By doing so, it enables them to take active roles in shaping their communities and responding effectively to humanitarian needs.
A key focus of the initiative is to create a network of empowered individuals who can lead local humanitarian efforts with confidence and efficiency. Participants are encouraged to design and implement community-based projects that address pressing social and economic issues, from health and education to livelihoods and social inclusion.
Additionally, the project emphasises sustainability by ensuring that young people and women not only gain the necessary skills but also have access to resources, guidance, and platforms to continue their humanitarian efforts beyond the project’s duration. This long-term vision fosters a new generation of community leaders committed to driving positive change in Northwest Syria, even amid challenging circumstances.
How can you get involved?
If you feel inspired by the sound of Global Platforms, you can explore their website, which lists all their local platforms around the world. Join one of their digital communities, which include Feminism, Climate Justice and Movement Building. You can also sign up for their newsletter or listen to their podcast.
The only way we can continue to build powerful alternatives is together. Whoever and wherever in the world you are, you are important. You can make a difference.
