IYLA delegates stand in front of the United Nations HQ

Young people are among the most powerful drivers of social transformation. Recognizing this potential, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has made youth leadership development a core pillar of its work, equipping young people with the values, skills, and opportunities needed to become effective leaders and peacebuilders. Through leadership training, mentorship, volunteer service, entrepreneurship programs, intercultural dialogue, and global exchanges, GPF is developing a new generation of moral and innovative leaders across the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

GPF’s youth programs are grounded in its Moral and Innovative Leadership framework, which combines character development, service, personal responsibility, and problem-solving skills. Through initiatives such as the Global Peace Volunteers, Global Peace Leadership Corps (GPCorps), International Young Leaders Assembly, and Global Peacebuilders Practicum, young people gain practical experience in leadership while addressing challenges in their communities.

Africa: Developing Leaders for Community Transformation

Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, making youth leadership development critical to the continent’s future. GPF Africa programs focus on mentorship, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, peacebuilding, and environmental stewardship.

More than 700 students receive training on preventing youth radicalization by GPF Kenya as part of the 4th President’s Fellowship Summit

In Kenya, the President’s Fellowship Program has become one of GPF’s flagship youth leadership initiatives. The program brings together young leaders from all 47 counties for leadership training, mentorship, community service, internships, and national dialogue. Participants receive training in governance, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and environmental responsibility while working with mentors who guide their personal and professional growth.

GPF Kenya also operates LEAP Hubs, a leadership and entrepreneurship initiative that helps students and young innovators identify community challenges and develop practical business and social enterprise solutions. Since its launch, the program has provided incubation and acceleration opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs across secondary schools, colleges, and universities.

Beyond leadership training, youth are actively engaged in environmental peacebuilding initiatives. In 2026, GPF Kenya partnered with the Rotary Club of Nairobi and Chandaria Foundation to expand youth leadership pathways while involving young people in environmental restoration and community service projects.

In Tanzania, GPF has engaged young people in volunteerism, peacebuilding activities, and community service initiatives that encourage youth participation in local development efforts while promoting social cohesion and responsible citizenship.

GPYC and university student volunteers from the Technological Institute of the Philippines-Quezon City, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and the Philippine School of Business worked together to package the supplies gathered in the school supply drive.

Asia: Nurturing Values-Based Leaders for Peace and Development

Across Asia, GPF youth programs focus on character formation, volunteer service, intercultural understanding, and leadership development. In the Philippines, GPF works through Global Peace Youth and the Global Peace Youth Corps (GPYC), bringing together young people from diverse faiths, cultures, and backgrounds under shared values and a vision of peace. Programs include leadership camps, volunteer service activities, and values-based education designed to cultivate moral and innovative leadership among students and young professionals.

The Global Peace Leadership Corps has also gained significant momentum in the Philippines, engaging thousands of young people in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community service projects. Participants receive training in leadership and peacebuilding while implementing initiatives that address local community needs.

In Malaysia, GPF has invested in indigenous youth leadership development through specialized leadership camps. One recent program brought together Orang Asli youth for three days of leadership workshops, team-building exercises, reflection sessions, and personal development activities designed to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and encourage community engagement.

In Nepal, youth leadership initiatives focus on volunteerism, peacebuilding, and service-learning. Young leaders participate in programs that strengthen leadership capacity while encouraging them to contribute practical solutions to local challenges. These initiatives align with GPF’s broader goal of empowering youth to become active contributors to peace and social change.

The Americas: Building Youth Capacity for Democratic and Social Leadership

Across the Americas, GPF supports youth as agents of civic engagement, democratic participation, and community development.

In Guatemala, GPF has supported youth digital leadership initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic resilience. These programs equip young people with skills to address online violence, promote responsible digital engagement, and contribute positively to democratic processes. The initiative has been implemented in partnership with regional and international organizations committed to strengthening youth participation in public life.

IYLA at the United Nations

GPF also works with partners throughout Latin America to connect young leaders with opportunities for leadership development, dialogue, and social innovation. Collaborations with regional organizations have helped create platforms where youth can engage in discussions on governance, community development, and peacebuilding while developing practical leadership skills.

Through regional and global initiatives such as the International Young Leaders Assembly, Global Peacebuilders Practicum, and Global Peace Leadership Corps, young leaders from across the Americas gain access to international networks, leadership training, and opportunities to collaborate with peers from around the world. These experiences help cultivate leaders capable of addressing local challenges while contributing to global peacebuilding efforts.

Discover more and support GPF’s commitment to developing values-based youth leaders who are addressing community challenges and building stronger, more resilient societies: Global Peace Foundation | Youth Leadership Development