Leading Minds
Young people changing the world
The ability to bring together the powerful and the influential to find solutions to the challenges children and young people face has long been a strength of UNICEF.
UNICEF Innocenti makes the most of this strength with Leading Minds, a regular series of multi-generational events and a platform for thought leadership created with and driven by young people.
Each event focuses on a topic of critical concern to children and young people – e.g. mental health, child identity, climate change and human capital – and connects those in power with the next generation. Thought leaders, policymakers and knowledge brokers are invited to meet young people – and are often challenged by their ideas. Together, young people and people in positions of power consider issues and seek opportunities.
Leading Minds is built on five key principles:
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Connect to yourself and each other to build a culture that feels safe and secure
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Listen curiously, observe and learn
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Share expertise, experience and opinions
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Discuss ideas in small and large groups
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Act by developing action points
Youth leaders are at the heart of the events, co-facilitating sessions with experts and academics. They come from around the world and represent many different groups.
Their work has an impact well beyond the events. Young people play a pivotal role in UNICEF’s ongoing dialogue on building a better world for children, ensuring that we are always putting their needs and interests at the heart of our work.
