The GCYF mission is critical because half of the world is under 30 years old with no guarantees to a decent future. In low-income countries, persons under 25 years represent almost two-thirds of the population, compared to about one-third in high-income countries.  Globally, of those experiencing the concurrent deprivations of multi-dimensional poverty, half are under 25 years old.

We are out in the world- listening closely to young people facing an uncertain transition to normal adulthood. Over the next decade, more than a billion young people will need jobs that are non-existent today.  The largest group of suicides in any age group is in the 19-25 age bracket. Three-quarters of all mental health diagnoses are before age 25; their disabling effects are felt in the prime working age years of 24-44 years. In terms of gender gap, young women are almost twice as likely as young men to be without employment, education, or training.

At GCYF, our mission is to fill gaps in knowledge, and advocate for their futures.  Formed in 2024, we work toward public interest goals—to advance the rights, livelihoods, health, security and overall quality of life for youth populations around the world. Our goal is for youth to be able to harness their own energies and become self-starters, problem-solvers, initiative-takers, and positive change makers.  

We aspire to become a leading voice in the field of education, employment and security-oriented innovations— in knowledge and interventions— directed toward the empowerment and overall wellbeing of youth populations worldwide, particularly the poor, the distressed, and the underserved among them.

GCYF invites practitioners, researchers, journalists, youth activists, government officials and anyone interested in the question of youth futures.  We produce original content disseminated through the medium of blogs, podcasts, and research reports. We are also building a global community of like-minded organizations— big and small—whom we bring together in the GCYF Hub.