About Us.
The International Youth Parliament (IYP) is an independent global network founded by world young leaders to foster synergy amongst the youth and youth organizations globally. Built on universally acceptable practices, its membership is open to all and sundary without gender, racial, religious, and political bias.
Officially inaugurated in February 2017 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the parliament is determined and committed to providing levelled platforms for young leaders and youth organizations to build capacity, share, and project innovations with renewed energy.
In furtherance of the Goals of International organisations like the United Nations, African Union, UNFPA, European Parliamentary Forum On Sexual and Reproductive Health, African Parliamentary Forum On Population Commission, etc, we have positioned ourselves as vanguards in the pursuit of global peace, justice, entrepreneurship, Quality Health and Education, Community Development, corruption free society, etc.
Headquarters: Ethiopia; Addis Ababa Countries where the IYP works in: country chapters in 32 Countries Number of Members: More than 3500 members
Young people in every nation want a peaceful world where they, and their posterity, can thrive. The International Youth Parliament (IYP) is being created to give the world’s 1.8 billion youth a voice. Through their representatives (IYP Ambassadors), they will have an opportunity to be included in creating and implementing solutions for today’s global challenges. The International Youth Parliament (IYP) operates under the nonprofit Global Prosperity and Peace Initiative (GPPI).
The mission of the IYP is: “to increase the level of love, prosperity, and peace on Earth through global inclusiveness, value-based leadership, and collaborative solutions generated and promoted by youth from 195 nations.” The structure of the IYP consists of a platform composed by 780 young people (Four highly qualified young people aged 16 to 29 years old from 195 nations), who will be mentored and taught excellent communication and leadership skills, negotiation and conflict resolution skills. In addition to that, the IYP includes an Executive Team, a Primary Board, Youth Board of Directors, Youth Delegates, Regional Directors, Peace Ambassadors, Technical Team and Board of Advisors.
The Youth Platform will be a resource of knowledge, innovation, accountability, problem prevention and creative solutions; meet with local, national, and international leaders to share their ideas about how to create a more prosperous and peaceful world as they work on the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); support the three pillars of the UN: sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights; share IYP Declarations nationally and internationally, using social media, print media, television and radio interviews, conversations with political and NGO leaders, giving presentations at the highest levels of government, and more.
The International Youth Parliament is a platform on which youth voices can be amplified as they actively and thoughtfully participate in the discovery of solutions for the planet’s most significant problems. IYP Ambassadors and Participants will offer solutions based on careful research after receiving excellent training by global experts. Their solutions will come after thoughtful discussions with educators, leaders, and other youth worldwide. Their proposed solutions will follow conversations with the most influential individuals in every country.
Strategic Guidance: Offering advice on strategic direction, program development, and policy initiatives.
Networking and Advocacy: Assisting in establishing partnerships with relevant organizations, stakeholders, and governments to expand the IYP's influence and resources.
Resource Mobilization: Supporting fundraising efforts and resource mobilization by connecting the IYP with potential sponsors, donors, and funders.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Reviewing and providing feedback on the effectiveness of IYP programs and initiatives to ensure they align with organizational objectives.
Mentorship and Capacity Building: Mentoring and offering capacity-building support to Parliament members, staff, and youth representatives to enhance their skills and understanding.
Governance and Accountability: Promoting governance best practices, accountability, and transparency within the IYP.
The Board of Advisors will also strive to create a membership that achieves gender balance; and includes people with a range of ages, including young people from 16 to 29 years old ; culturally and linguistically diverse people; and people who represent population groups of the most left behind ( particularly women and young people from indigenous communities, African-descendants, persons with disability; people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, intersex or queer; among others).
Term Length: Members will serve a term of 2 years, with the option for renewal based on performance and commitment.
Eligibility and appointment of members
The general criteria for joining the Advisory Board include:
● Relevant Experience: Candidates should have significant experience in youth leadership, international relations, public policy, or another relevant field. Experience with youth-focused programs or parliamentary work is highly desirable.
● Educational Background: A solid educational background, ideally in fields like political science, social sciences, international studies, or law, to ensure they bring well-rounded knowledge to discussions and decisions.
● Commitment to Youth Empowerment: A strong commitment to advocating for youth, supporting youth-led initiatives, and empowering young voices on a global scale.
● Global and Regional Perspective: An understanding of global and regional challenges affecting youth and the ability to bring a cross-cultural perspective to the board. Experience working in international settings or diverse communities is a plus.
● Leadership and Mentorship Skills: Demonstrated leadership abilities and a willingness to mentor and guide young leaders within the organization.
● Collaborative Spirit: Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team, with strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster open dialogue and cooperation among board members.
● Innovative Thinking: A forward-thinking mindset, open to new ideas and innovative approaches to address the challenges faced by young people worldwide.
● Availability and Commitment: Willingness to dedicate time for regular board meetings, participate in strategic planning, and engage in initiatives or events as needed.
● Ethical Standards: High ethical standards and integrity to serve as a role model for youth and maintain the organization’s reputation.
● Networking Capacity: Connections within relevant sectors (education, government, non-profit, etc.) to bring additional resources, opportunities, and partnerships to the organization.
Please note that these positions are honorary and not remunerated.
Existing members may re-apply for a second term through a simple email or letter to the board chairperson or president of the IYP’s , without the need for a full application, but with an updated biography. Members may only serve two consecutive terms but may apply for a non-consecutive third term.
Members are appointed and endorsed by their country government, Chairperson of the Board of Advisors, or President of the IYP, following recommendations from a selection panel.
Related to resignation, members are required to directly notify the Chairperson of the Board of Advisors of their wish to resign through a letter or email.
Chairperson: The Advisory Board will select a chairperson annually to lead meetings, coordinate activities, and serve as the main liaison between the Board and IYP leadership.
Co-Chairs The Advisory Board will select two members to act as co-chairs annually and their main role is to facilitate orderly, courteous, respectful, open, constructive, innovative, and participative discussion between members on matters within the Advisory Board ’s remit.
Support person The Advisory Board will select a support person to attend meetings with them.
Special Meetings: Additional meetings may be called as needed by the Chairperson or IYP leadership.
Attendance: Members are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of scheduled meetings. Attendance may be virtual or in person.
Quorum: A quorum for decision-making shall be 50% of the board members plus one.
● Act in the best interests of the IYP, maintaining integrity and transparency.
● Respect confidentiality regarding sensitive matters discussed in meetings.
● Refrain from any conflicts of interest that could affect their ability to advise impartially.
● Exhibit professionalism and commitment to the objectives of the International Youth Parliament.
● Documentation: Minutes of all meetings and significant decisions will be documented and made available to IYP leadership.
Email: president@iypglobal.org
IYP Webpage: www.iyp.org