Aberdeen City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people to influence global initiatives and international decision-making.
At its meeting on 28 April 2025, the Council endorsed the spirit of the United Nations Pact for the Future and asked the chief officer – Education and Lifelong Learning to explore ways to support youth engagement in global forums.
A report to the Education and Children’s Services Committee today (25 November 2025) set out an ambitious vision for participation, with plans to help young people shape global initiatives, access international opportunities, and use digital platforms to amplify their voices.
Councillor Martin Greig, convener, Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Aberdeen’s young people are already making their mark on the world stage, and we are proud to support them in shaping the future locally and globally. By embedding youth voice in our decision-making and civic life, we are not only empowering the next generation of leaders but also strengthening our city’s role in international dialogue and innovation.”
Councillor Jessica Mennie, vice-convener, Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “From climate action to cultural exchange, Aberdeen’s young people are leading with creativity, compassion and conviction. Our commitment is to ensure every young person has the opportunity to be heard, to contribute meaningfully, and to access the global platforms where their ideas can drive real change.”
Aberdeen already delivers a range of youth-lead initiatives with global relevance, empowering young people aged 12-25 to act as active citizens in international contexts. These initiatives build on strong foundations laid in early years and primary education, where children are encouraged to inform decisions that affect them.
Key programmes include:
- Aberdeen Youth Movement (AYM): AYM members influence local and global decision-making through civic forums, mentoring schemes, and participation in national Youth Parliaments. The group also champions creative approaches to advocacy, ensuring young voices are heard by those in power.
- Youth Climate Change Group: Young people lead education and advocacy efforts on climate action, biodiversity, and sustainability, collaborating with national and global partners to contribute to international environmental goals.
- Shadow Board for Children’s Services: This emerging initiative ensures that young people’s perspectives directly inform decisions made by adult leaders and services.
- Youth Activity Grants: With funding decisions made by young people themselves, this programme supports youth-led projects that promote creativity, inclusion, and leadership, fostering global citizenship and community impact.
Aberdeen’s young people are already making their mark on the world stage. AYM member Mariah Ichakpa represented the city at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) Youth Forum in New York, while fellow AYM member Lily MacDonald, was awarded a prestigious Fulbright-American University Scholarship. Lily will study at American University’s School of Public Affairs, learning from leading experts including President Obama’s former speechwriter.
Looking ahead, Aberdeen City Council will embed youth participation in the planning and delivery of landmark city-wide events such as the City Centre Heritage redevelopment, future Tall Ship races, and a prospective City of Culture bid. These events will offer vital opportunities for youth exchange, co-design, and leadership.
The Council also plans to leverage digital platforms to strengthen international collaboration. AYM is looking at the possibility of collaborations with other groups on social media, podcasting, and youth-led discussions on consent and personal safety.
These efforts align with the six key areas of the United Nations Youth 2030 Strategy, including empowering youth, advancing knowledge, unlocking resources, and strengthening accountability. By continuing to invest in grassroots leadership and international partnerships, Aberdeen City Council is ensuring that young people are not only heard but are integral to shaping the city and the world they will inherit.
Andrew Will, member of the Aberdeen Youth Movement (AYM), said: “The involvement of young people in global decision-making is essential to ensuring a future world worth inheriting. Aberdeen City Council’s announcement reaffirming its commitment to empowering young people to deliver global change is a greatly welcomed step, and we sincerely hope this affirmation inspires further progress.”
AYM Member Hannah Forbes, commented: "It's great to see organisations like Aberdeen City Council having a focus on genuine youth participation and understanding how vital it is for young people to be involved in decision-making right from the beginning. It's even greater to see how much they support this participation on a global scale.”
Sam Milne, also a member of the AYM, added: “Young people are the driving force of the world right now, speaking out and speaking up about things that matter, and we deserve to be listened to and have our opinions respected. Aberdeen City Council has been slowly integrating young people into their decision making which is an amazing change."