UNICEF youth is a community of young people who contribute their opinions, help shape projects, and support public relations work at UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In this blog, we present some UNICEF youth projects and examples of the participants' engagement.
Would you like to get involved too?
If you are between 10 and 24 years old and want to share your opinion, UNICEF youth is the right place for you.
UNICEF youth «Get-Together»
5. March 2026
At our largest community gathering to date, members of UNICEF Youth had the opportunity to get to know one another and network in a relaxed setting. A total of 26 young people attended the “Get-Together” at the UNICEF office in Zurich. The main topic of discussion was on embedding youth participation at the management level of UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Various models were presented and discussed together. The event concluded with a group photo.
The young people advocated for management to collaborate with a diverse group of young people and to hold enough in-person meetings. The UNICEF Youth Team brought their points to discussions with management and presented them.
Childs Rights Advocacy Strategie-Workshop
8. December 2025
The Child Rights Advocacy Department of UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein held a workshop with members of UNICEF Youth to discuss their future priority issues. Over the course of an afternoon, young people and experts from the children’s rights organization shared their views on topics such as digitalization and poverty—two key areas of focus for the organization’s national advocacy work
The contributions of the young participants are deliberately incorporated into this process. This ensures that youth perspectives are taken into account and helps prevent the emergence of blind spots. The workshop gave UNICEF Youth members the opportunity to gain insight into how UNICEF operates and to engage directly with the Child Rights Advocacy Team.
The young people were thrilled to get directly involved in the organization’s work. Mario (20) said of the meeting: «The workshop was an amazing experience. We got along well right away within the group, and the workshop felt very focused on our ideas. We also delved really deeply into the issues. I’d look forward to doing it again.» Roaa (16) was also happy: «I thought the atmosphere was great, and it was a lot of fun to discuss things with others and hear their opinions.»
Executive Directors Meeting in Zürich
23.-24. October 2025
In a unique opportunity, Mia, a member of UNICEF Youth, was able to attend the meeting of executive directors of 32 UNICEF National Committees. She was there as one of six youth representatives from different countries to bring the perspective of young people into UNICEF’s work.
Mia met with other UNICEF Youth members before the meeting to hear their thoughts and carry their voices to the meeting as well. After a welcome from Bettina Junker, the young people worked together to form a consensus on the topics at hand.
«The Executive Directors Meeting in Zurich was a very exciting and educational experience for me. The exchange with the other young representatives from the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Hungary, Italy, and Spain, during which we shared our perspectives and ideas, was particularly valuable. This gave me many insights into how young people in other countries are involved with UNICEF.
The meeting focused on topics such as greater youth involvement in decision-making processes, mental health, artificial intelligence, and many other issues related to UNICEF. The discussions with the Executive Directors and other UNICEF representatives were open and constructive, and I felt that our opinions were truly heard.»
Young Voices for Peace
21. September 2025
The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations in 1981 and designates a day for ceasefire and against violence. Every year, it serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful coexistence.
On this day, three members of UNICEF youth explored the question of what peace means to them personally and why it’s so important for children and young people in particular.
They recorded their thoughts in texts, statements, and a video, demonstrating how diverse and personal the understanding of peace can be.
«To me, peace means not being afraid of World War 3. But more than that, it’s also when there is no violence, no bombs falling, and no one is forced to hide. It also means that everyone has equal rights. I think peace is important so that no one has to suffer on earth and so that everyone can live well, without discrimination, injury, or violence.»
Participation Day
26. August 2025
Young people don't just want to listen—they want to have a say. On Participation Day, four members of UNICEF Youth met at the UNICEF office in Zurich to discuss participation in politics, school, and everyday family life.
The focus was on Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which establishes the right of children and young people to participate. The young adults exchanged ideas and developed a social media video that highlights their demands.
« I would like to be heard more in politics. », Livia emphasized. Genuine participation is particularly important when it comes to decisions that directly affect young people.
Samira wishes children and young pople had more say in the family environment as well.: « I wish parents would listen to their children more.»
Mara and Selihom explained that participation at school is often still symbolic. Although there are student councils, the actual decisions are usually made by the school administration. For them it was clear that participation must be taken more seriously.
Visit to the Palais des Nations
19. June 2025
Experiencing human rights up close: Twelve members of UNICEF Youth visited the Palais des Nations in Geneva, the European headquarters of the United Nations. There they gained insights into international diplomacy and the work of various UN organizations.
During a guided tour in German and French, they were able to visit conference halls and watch a live session of the Human Rights Council—an impressive experience for everyone involved.
Participants impression
«An absolute highlight—and for me personally the most impressive moment—was attending the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council. Not only did we get to witness important discussions taking place there live, we also had the opportunity to marvel at the magnificent conference hall.
Our guide expertly led us through the building, explained a lot about the history of the United Nations, and patiently answered all our questions. Afterwards, we continued on to the old building with its famous columns, which probably comes to mind when most people think of the UN in Geneva. Finally, we strolled through the garden, where numerous gifts from different countries are on display – each with its own story.
Despite the heat, it was an exciting day. It was exciting to see the UN in Geneva up close and meet young, committed people from the UNICEF Youth Community.»
«I was very impressed by the tour of the UN building in Geneva. Just being in that environment and among people who deal with important global issues was a special experience.
What particularly struck me was the individual design of each conference hall; each design had its own meaning. I found that very fascinating. Another highlight for me was that we had the opportunity to listen to a meeting held in a large conference hall. That was a great experience.
I am a student and don't yet know exactly what path I want to take in the future. But I have a keen interest in law, and this excursion opened up new perspectives for me.»
«I couldn’t help but marvel at how the world was deliberating right in front of my eyes. I listened with amazement to the voices of the Human Rights Council meeting, sharing their perspectives, international demands, and personal national goals with regard to education. Somehow, I found the whole thing theatrical; the whole world was allowed to speak in a single room, while we listened intently to the proceedings from a viewing platform.
This visit only confirmed to me all the more how, although it is not easy, it is feasible to demand change, not to give up, and that we must make room for issues that we take for granted.»
Would you like to get involved too?
If you are between 10 and 24 years old and want to share your opinion, UNICEF youth is the right place for you.
UNICEF Kinderrechte Newsletter
Mit unserem Kinderrechte Newsletter bleiben Sie sowohl über unsere Arbeit in der Schweiz und in Liechtenstein informiert als auch über andere spannende Veranstaltungen und Projekte.