The article is written by Soumyashree Mohanty,Research Associate, CYDA
August 12 is celebrated worldwide as International Youth Day. This year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond” shines a light on the power of young people to create change in their own communities. It reminds us that small, local actions can have a big impact in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a better future for everyone.
Across the globe, young people are stepping up as powerful agents of change. They are using their energy, creativity, and determination to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time- from climate change and gender equality to social inclusion and sustainable cities. In India, thousands of young leaders are turning the global vision of the SDGs into real action and designing solutions for their communities’ unique challenges.
Since 1999, Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA) has been committed to empowering marginalized youth through a rights-based approach. It works to strengthen leadership, nurture resilience, and encourage innovation, enabling young people to take charge of their own futures. CYDA implements focused programs in Adolescents and Youth Development, Gender, Diversity and Inclusion, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, and Comprehensive Village Development. A unique feature of these programs is that they are designed to address the challenges faced by young people. They are implemented by young people themselves, ensuring that solutions come from those who understand the problems best. These initiatives are helping young people address local needs while contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.
One of CYDA’s most inspiring platforms is Youth4Change– a movement that has trained more than one lakh young people in leadership, human rights, gender justice, democracy, and soft skills. From climate action and gender equality to road safety and urban development, Youth4Change leads projects such as Youth4ClimateAction, Traffic Watch, Art4Change, Pune4Change, Peace4Change, Media4Change, Sports4Change, Voice of Boys, Surakshit Slum Surakshit Hum, and Mission Yerwada, each project reflects both the priorities of local communities and the targets of the global SDG agenda.
In 2019, CYDA introduced another powerful initiative- the Youth Resource Center (YRC) in Yerawada, a community struggling with crime, violence, and substance abuse. The YRC offers a safe and vibrant space where young people can explore new opportunities, develop life skills, and engage in positive activities such as sports, music, and remedial education. Many youth who had dropped out of school or become involved in harmful activities have found a new direction here. Through exposure visits, workshops, and advocacy campaigns, they are learning to see themselves not as part of the problem, but as part of the solution. Today, three YRCs are transforming lives, with more than 10,000 young people stepping into leadership roles and contributing actively to the well-being of their communities.
In November 2024, youth leaders from CYDA came together in Kerala to create the Vagamon Declaration. This declaration carries a strong and clear message- when young people are empowered, they do not just take part in change, they lead it. It states: “We are determined to cultivate a vibrant cadre and network of young leaders dedicated to the growth and well-being of their communities and nation.” This vision reflects the belief that investing in young people is the fastest route to achieving the SDGs.
The story of Shalmon Sable captures this spirit of change. Growing up in Yerawada, Pune, he experienced first-hand the struggles faced by many young people in disadvantaged areas. By participating in CYDA’s initiatives, he acquired the skills and confidence to lead projects rehabilitating at-risk youth and reducing school dropout rates. His journey took him from the streets of Yerawada to the stage of the Global Youth Convening in Colombia, where he represented India- proof that local empowerment can lead to global advocacy.
By fostering leadership, creating safe spaces for learning and growth, and connecting local action to global priorities, CYDA is proving that youth are not only the future they are the leaders of today. When given the right opportunities, they have the power to drive meaningful change, transform communities, and shape a better world for all.
