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Young people are a crucial part of the efforts to create an equitable, sustainable and prosperous future. Yet they have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic’s impact, and by the cost-of-living crisis.

As such, they need to have a voice in policy discussions that will affect them and their future. This is where Youthwise comes in!

Launched in 2021 to bring youth voices and perspectives to the OECD, Youthwise is a key point of federation for youth engagement across the OECD.

In 2021, Youthwise participated in the development of the OECD’s Youth Action Plan and contributed to the OECD Vision Statement. Youthwise members also moderated and spoke at OECD events, including the Forum event “Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis and Recovery”, alongside representatives from the G7 and G20 presidencies.

“Young people are a bridge between generations; they need to be part of the decision-making process and not just review it after it is done“

– Idalia, 2021 Youthwise member

The Class of 2022 was invited to share its views on climate, digitalisation, and social mobility at three Ministerial meetings, as well as at the 2022 Ministerial Council Meeting, the OECD's highest-level forum. On the margins of that meeting, Youthwise brought together over 70 youth delegates from across the OECD membership to develop a manifesto, collectively called ‘The Future Youth Want’.

The Organisation is now launching the 3rd edition of its Youth Advisory Board, giving a platform to young people from all backgrounds. If you are 18-30 years old and want to join the discussion on policies concerning youth, climate climate change, the digital transition, and more, apply now to be a part of #Youthwise !

Youthwise activities  

As part of Youthwise, members:      

• bring their generation's perspectives, insights, and ideas to the OECD

• gain a greater understanding of key policy issues that affect their generation

• take part in closed-door meetings and consultations, engaging on a range of topics and themes with OECD experts and external stakeholder

• have the opportunity to speak at events and participate in webinars on behalf of Youthwise

• are able to speak on panels and participate in webinars, providing interventions on behalf of Youthwise

• create and (co-)author documents, articles and videos to share Youthwise views

• join interactive workshops with other youth organisations such as the Y20, meeting youth leaders from around the world

• network and gain a better understanding of how international policy-making functions      

Selection criteria

Applicants must be:

• between 18 and 30 years of age as of 15 March 2023

• a national of an OECD member country (more detail in the brochure)

• fluent in English (more detail in the brochure)

• highly interested in national and international debates on building an inclusive future through the green and digital transitions

• diplomatic, understanding and open to different ideas and perspectives when discussing potentially divisive topics

• able to dedicate up to 8 hours per month to Youthwise-related activities (including preparatory reading, group work, meetings, speaking at events etc.)

• committed to participate fully in the programme from March 2023 until March 2024

• able to access an internet connection (to join online meetings) and email account to stay in contact

• neither currently affiliated with the OECD, nor have a relative who is currently OECD-affiliated (more detail in the brochure)

Applicants must also submit:  

• a 90-second video response to the following question: What policy area are you most interested in and what unique perspectives can you bring to discussions on this topic?
• a brief introduction (600 characters), and write about the impact they hope to have as a member of Youthwise (900 characters)

Jury and terms of appointment

• An inter-generational OECD jury will review applications to create a diverse, representative group of young people

• Due to the volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted; we are unfortunately unable to provide feedback on individual applications

• The standard term of appointment will be from April 2023 until March 2024

• Youthwise activities will principally take place online, though member(s) may be invited to in-person events, for which travel costs will be covered

• A high level of attendance and participation is expected from all members; in the instance of unavailability, members are expected to notify the team in advance

• Youthwise members will not be remunerated for their participation

Learn more about Youthwise and the call for application, and discover the OECD's work on youth