International cooperation through the volunteering efforts and political participation of French youth has a long history.

It started after the Second World War and now faces new global challenges against a backdrop of globalisation and economic, social, and environmental changes. These challenges include climate change, unequal development among countries, and respect for international humanitarian rights.

Internationally, the Agenda 2030 provides a blueprint for change that gives young people a voice, since the UN has recognised that young people are important stakeholders in the Agenda's success.

Young people generally show their concern for these global challenges by participating in transnational civic and solidarity movements and by volunteering internationally.

These actions are encouraged by public authorities, who contribute by:

•  developing and funding international volunteering schemes or education for international solidarity;
• financially supporting youth movements;
• encouraging the participation and empowerment of young people in international policy-making in some settings.

Public authorities also see international involvement as a tool for social cohesion with both local and worldwide consequences, as it encourages a feeling of global citizenship.

But young French people face unequal opportunities when it comes to international involvement, because it is mostly accessible to young people from privileged backgrounds or with higher education.

Public authorities (ministries, local authorities, etc.) and associations (NGOs, youth movements, etc.) face a challenge when it comes to volunteering and international involvement activities for young people with fewer opportunities.