International Youth Day 2024: celebrated on 12 August with the theme "From Clicks to Progress: Digital Pathways for Youth towards Sustainable Development". This event highlighted the importance of digital innovation in addressing global issues and promoting sustainable development. Portugal, through the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ), co-organised the celebrations, emphasising the role of youth in digital adoption and innovation. This celebration also acknowledged the only two youth world conferences, both hosted by Portugal, which led to the establishment of the International Youth Day. It was during this first World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (1998) that the proposal for the International Youth Day was made, which is now celebrated annually on 12 August. The second conference took place in June 2019, under the motto “Lisboa+21”.

In 1999, Portugal also committed to present a youth resolution every two years at the UN General Assembly, a commitment it has honoured since then. In 2025, the UN General Assembly will present a new resolution on youth, focusing on "Intergenerational Solidarity and Partnerships for Sustainable Development". This theme underscores the importance of collaboration across generations to achieve sustainable development goals. For more information on UN resolutions related to youth, you can visit the UN General Assembly's page on youth.

Summit of the Future. Held in September 2024, this summit provided young people with the opportunity to influence global decision-making processes. Portugal was actively involved in its preparation, ensuring that youth perspectives were considered in the discussions and decisions.

There were also several actions and activities within the framework of the European Year for Youth 2022. In 2024, the legacy of the European Year for Youth continued to influence youth policies, with ongoing efforts to integrate youth perspectives into EU policies and actions. Portugal remained actively involved in these efforts, contributing to the development of youth policies at both national and European levels.

ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025: held every year in April. In 2025, emphasis will be placed on the roles of science and social inclusion as sustainable development drivers, with the Forum's theme being “Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development”. During the High-Level Political Forum (which annually reviews progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda), SDGs 3, 5, 8, 14 and 17 will be addressed and other UN processes will be discussed, such as the implementation of the Pact for the Future, the holding of the Fourth Conference on Financing for Development, and the Second World Social Summit.

Current debates within the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 focus on three main areas: Engage, Connect, and Empower. The strategy aims to enhance youth participation in democratic life, support social and civic engagement, and ensure that all young people have the necessary resources to participate in society. Portugal has been instrumental in promoting these objectives, particularly through its support for the EU Youth Dialogue and initiatives aimed at increasing youth engagement. The ongoing EU Youth Dialogue emphasises inclusive societies and aims to reach all young people, including those with fewer opportunities. Portugal's contributions have been significant in ensuring that these dialogues are inclusive and representative.

The EU Youth Action Plan for External Action 2022-2027 continues to promote meaningful youth participation globally, focusing on sustainable development, equality, and peace. Key initiatives include the Youth and Women in Democracy Initiative and the Africa-Europe Youth Academy. Portugal has actively supported these initiatives, providing expertise and resources to enhance their impact.

The Council of Europe’s Youth Department (CDEJ) is currently focusing on integrating youth perspectives into broader policy areas, promoting youth participation in democratic processes, and enhancing youth work structures, as a consequence of the Fourth Council of Europe Summit (Reykjavík, 16-17 May 2023). Portugal's involvement in the European Steering Committee for Youth (CDEJ) and the Joint Council on Youth (CMJ) has been crucial, particularly in advocating for policies that support youth empowerment and participation.

The Union for the Mediterranean’s Youth Strategy aims to build a future of peace, democracy, and prosperity in the Euro-Mediterranean region. The strategy supports the UN Youth 2030 Strategy and the EU Youth Strategy, with plans to develop a Youth Action Plan to operationalise these goals. Portugal has been a key player in this strategy, contributing to the development of initiatives that foster youth cooperation and dialogue across the Mediterranean.

It is critical for youth policies to provide effective opportunities for young people to fulfil their potential, promoting access to quality education, decent employment, meaningful participation, and quality health services. Ensuring full access to rights, especially post-COVID-19, remains a priority. Portugal continues to advocate for comprehensive youth policies that address these needs and support young people in achieving their goals.