PRISMA Network Delegates Champion the 2026 Youth Declaration at the World Youth Development Forum in China
25-06-2026
Following a fully funded opportunity shared through the PRISMA European Network in collaboration with the "Great Silk Way" International Youth Union and the All-China Youth Federation, three dynamic youth leaders from our network traveled to Shanghai and Wuhan, China. From June 11–17, 2026, they participated in the prestigious Acceleration Week for Global Youth Development Programs and the World Youth Development Forum (WYDF).
Bringing together 500 changemakers, policymakers, and innovators from over 120 countries and regions, this high-level event served as a powerhouse for global partnership-building, international networking, and youth empowerment. A key milestone of the forum was the adoption of the historic Youth Declaration of the 2026 World Youth Development Forum. This global manifest officially positions youth at the helm of international progress, committing to four vital action pillars: driving common development, fostering mutual learning among civilizations, safeguarding common security, and advancing global governance through active participation.
Here is how our members experienced this transformative journey and contributed to shaping this global vision:
1. Stepping into the Future of Innovation
Debbie Bough – Founder & Education Programmes Manager, Blackwater Training (Ireland)
For Blackwater Training, a rural social enterprise supporting migrants, young people, and rural communities, the trip offered an eye-opening look into technological progress and high-level mentorship. Aligning closely with the Declaration’s call to leverage artificial intelligence and bridge the digital divide, Debbie connected with international organizations and engaged in deep conversations under the guidance of prominent figures, including Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator in China.
"Participating in the World Youth Development Forum was a truly unique experience. It reminded me that while our communities may be thousands of miles apart, many of the challenges we face are the same. By sharing ideas, learning from one another, and working together, we can create a brighter future for young people around the world."
2. Scaling Social Impact on the Main Stage
Dr. Gilles Evrard Essuman – Founder & Project Coordinator, RESOPA (France)
RESOPA, a non-profit dedicated to youth empowerment and social innovation, achieved massive recognition during the event. Their initiative was selected among the 2026 APGYD Excellence Actions from a pool of 200 programs worldwide, reflecting the Forum's focus on grassroots development and social entrepreneurship. Dr. Essuman pitched RESOPA’s vital work on the main stage to over 500 participants and conducted numerous high-profile media interviews, answering the Declaration’s appeal for youth-led solutions to global economic and social disparities.
"What I will carry forward most from Shanghai and Wuhan is... the openness of participants from completely different contexts arriving at the same diagnosis, and the sense that youth-led community impact can scale when it is given the right support and the right partnerships. I return with new collaborations across three continents..."
3. Amplifying Balkan and European Youth Voices
Gurali Haxhillari – CEO & Founder, Balkan Youth Activism (BYA) (Albania)
Representing the Western Balkans, Balkan Youth Activism actively engaged in crucial discussions shaping future global trends, such as genuine multilateralism, cross-cultural diplomacy, and youth-led governance. Gurali exchanged insights directly with international leadership, including Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, ensuring European and Balkan voices are represented in international decision-making processes as championed by the 2026 Youth Declaration.
"Participating in the World Youth Development Forum 2026 was a truly transformative experience. It provided an exceptional opportunity to connect with youth leaders and experts from across the globe, exchange innovative ideas, and explore practical solutions to shared challenges. The forum strengthened our belief that international collaboration and youth leadership are essential..."
Driving Change Together
PRISMA European Network is incredibly proud to support our members as they take center stage in shaping global discourse. By actively championing the 2026 Youth Declaration, our delegates have reinforced that young people are not mere bystanders to history, but the primary drivers of sustainable development, security, and global governance. We look forward to seeing how these newly gained perspectives translate into concrete actions that empower young leaders within our regional communities.