Empowering youth voices in humanitarian work through global Compact partnership

This year’s Compact for Young People in Humanitarian Action meeting, hosted by World Scouting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marked a significant step forward in amplifying the voices and capacities of youth in humanitarian work. Held from 21 to 23 October, the gathering brought together diverse organisations to redefine how young people contribute to crisis response and resilience building in their communities.

Around 30 representatives from United Nations agencies, international non-governmental organisation, and national youth-led organisations gathered for the annual meeting, focused on developing actions and recommendations. Over the three days, participants focused on reviewing the Compact's operational methods, strengthening the commitments of member organisations, and advancing conversations around local-led solutions. A highlight was the soft launch of ActionAid’s Young Humanitarian Handbook, a resource designed to empower youth as change-makers in their own communities. 

Participants shared their experiences in crisis response at the community level towards fostering greater learning and developing best practices. They were joined by young Scouts from Malaysia, who showcased the positive impact of their humanitarian work, sparking interest among Compact members in how Scouting approach resilience-building and crisis response.

World Scouting’s involvement in the Compact reinforces the Movement’s commitment to supporting youth leadership not only in humanitarian settings but also across fields like education, peace building, and environmental sustainability. By empowering youth in leadership and decision-making roles, World Scouting aims to equip young people with the skills to tackle challenges facing their communities. Aligned with the goals of the World Triennial Plan 2024-2027, Scouting continues to position itself as a proactive force in humanitarian response, fostering diverse community engagement — especially among youth — to address urgent needs. Hosting the Compact meeting underscores World Scouting’s commitment to creating spaces for young voices in decision-making processes, breaking down barriers, and nurturing the next generation of humanitarian leaders.

The Compact for Young People in Humanitarian Action represents a transformative commitment to engage youth in humanitarian efforts. Since its launch at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016, the Compact has focused on amplifying the voices and needs of young individuals affected by crises. As one of the initial signatories of the Compact, World Scouting has been at the forefront of this vital initiative.

World Scouting’s continued role within Compact is crucial in ensuring that young people are recognised as key players in humanitarian response. As global challenges grow, the importance of well-coordinated, localised, and youth-centred approaches becomes ever clearer. Through this ongoing collaboration, World Scouting aims to ensure that young people are not only participants but also leaders in shaping humanitarian practices. Together, through the Compact and our ongoing efforts, we can unlock the full potential of youth to bring lasting change in their communities around the world.

We are grateful for Alwaleed Philanthropies supporting the participation of Scouts in this meeting. Thank you for investing in our Organization and our cause.