State of Global Youth Report 2026–27: Youth and Democracy
What does democracy mean to young people — and do they have the voice, power, and opportunities to shape its future?
Click here to take the 5-minute State of Global Youth Survey and help shape the 2026–27 report.
The 2026–27 State of Global Youth Report explores how young people understand and experience democracy, what motivates them to participate, and what barriers stand in the way of making their voices heard.
Through youth-led research and a global survey, we’re exploring three central questions:
- Youth voice and power: Do young people feel heard, represented, and empowered to influence decisions affecting their lives?
- Participation and engagement: How are young people engaging in civic and political life, and what motivates or prevents them from taking action?
- The future of democracy: What changes, opportunities, and support do young people need to strengthen democracy and shape their communities?
From trust in institutions and political participation to community engagement and youth leadership, the report will elevate young people’s experiences, priorities, and ideas for building more inclusive, responsive, and resilient democracies.
Because the future of democracy shouldn’t just be decided for young people. It should be shaped by them.
Add your voice! We’re inviting young people around the world to share their perspectives in our global survey. Whether you’re already organizing and leading or just beginning to explore what democracy means to you, your voice matters. Click here to take the 5-minute State of Global Youth Survey
State of Global Youth Report 2025: Youth and Trust
In a world fractured by division, disinformation, and distrust, young people are asking a fundamental question: How do we rebuild what has been broken?
At AMP Global Youth, we understand that trust is not abstract — it is lived. It shapes whether a student believes their voice matters in a classroom, whether a young activist trusts institutions to deliver on climate promises, and whether communities can come together across differences to solve problems. Trust is the foundation of the social fabric that holds societies together. And right now, that fabric is fraying.
The 2025 State of Global Youth Report confronts this crisis head-on by exploring:
- How do young people experience and define trust today?
- Where is trust breaking down — and where are youth actively working to repair it?
- What role can young people play in rebuilding our social fabric?
Our research spans critical domains from civic engagement to media literacy, from community organizing to institutional accountability. By centering youth voices and lived experiences, the report reveals how young people navigate an era of unprecedented polarization, technological disruption, and social fragmentation — and how they are building new models of connection, credibility, and collective action.
Download the State of Global Youth Report 2025 here.
State of Global Youth Report 2024: Youth Participation in Decision Making
What inspires young people to lead, take action, and shape the world around them?
Around the world, young people are navigating rapid change, confronting complex global challenges, and finding new ways to make their voices heard. But what motivates them to get involved? What skills, resources, and opportunities do they need to thrive? And how can communities and institutions better support their leadership?
The 2024 State of Global Youth Report explores three central questions:
- Values and priorities: What issues matter most to young people, and what values inspire them to take action?
- Skills and development: What skills do young people need to succeed, and where are they finding opportunities to learn and grow?
- Opportunities for action: How do young people want to participate in shaping their communities and futures, and what barriers stand in their way?
Spanning leadership, civic engagement, education, social change, mental health, and well-being, the report combines research findings with personal stories to explore how young people navigate today’s challenges while building their skills, pursuing their goals, and making a difference.
Because youth leadership isn’t just about preparing the next generation for the future. It’s about recognizing their power to shape it today.
AMP Global Youth leaders, board members, partners and special guests at the State of Global Youth Report launch at Georgetown University in Washington, DC in July 2024.