As a global community, we are now inheriting the largest generation of young people of reproductive age in history. Truly responding to their needs requires that health policies for development consider the role of youth in making improvements to their own health and economic situations.

In working with European policy makers in Brussels and abroad, DSW stresses the importance of investment in young people in developing countries. EU policies, budgets and programmes can all prioritise the health, life skills and livelihood needs of youth in development interventions. Ensuring that sufficient funding exists to give youth improved access to SRH information, services and supplies—and creating a space in the political process for youth participation—can all contribute towards providing a proper place of youth as empowered actors of their own future.

Through EU-funded projects like Invest in Adolescents, DSW puts these principles into action: offering civic education and capacity building of youth organisations at national and district levels in East Africa, we are equipping youth with the skills to articulate and communicate their needs to decision-makers, strengthening their ability to contribute to local and national civic processes. As the leaders of tomorrow, supporting the huge—but often neglected—potential of young people is a crucial ingredient towards furthering inclusive and responsive development.