Did you know that 12 August is International Youth Day? But what happens the day after is just as important, so how can we ensure that it’s both a short-term celebration and a catalyst for lasting change?
In this special episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson revisits conversations from season 3, including previously unheard audio, with six inspiring young people. They work across a range of fields, including climate action, health, disability rights, youth policy, culture and filmmaking.
A selection of our guests from the past season - Amanda da Cruz Costa, Bukky Adebowale, Saja Mohammed Alkadhimi, Juhi Adhikari, Caitlin Askin and Marko Pešikan - reflect on how their identities and communities have shaped their work, the barriers young people continue to face, and the importance of having a genuine and authentic voice in decisions affecting their lives.
Marking International Youth Day and its theme, ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’, the episode asks what meaningful youth leadership looks like and what governments, institutions and other generations must do to continue to support and engage when the global spotlight moves on.
Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world.
Further resources:
Next Generation research series
https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/next-generation
Global Perceptions research series
https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/global-perceptions
International Youth Day 2026
https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/events/international-youth-day-2026