Reports & Resources

This page brings together all key documents related to the GYPI, including our full report, detailed methodology, and other publications that explore youth participation across different contexts.

The Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI) sheds light on how young people engage in politics and public life around the world. Download the GYPI 2025 Report to explore the data, key insights, and recommendations.

It outlines the opportunities and barriers to youth participation, the main findings and recommendations.

Authors: 

• Brit ANLAR, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Amsterdam
• Nic CHEESEMAN, Professor of Democracy, University of Birmingham
• Kirstie Lynn DOBBS, Assistant Professor of Practice, Merrimack College
• Lien NGUYEN, Assistant Professor of Practice, Merrimack College
• Sarah PICKARD, Professor of Contemporary British Politics, Society and Culture, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (USN)

This Methodology & Data Collection Report brings together the essential resources that underpin the GYPI. This detailed methodology note outlines the conceptual framework, data sources, and scoring system used to build the Index. For those interested in exploring specific aspects of youth engagement, we also feature a series of complementary publications that examine national and regional patterns, best practices, and lessons learned from across the globe.

Authors: 

• Brit ANLAR, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Amsterdam
• Nic CHEESEMAN, Professor of Democracy, University of Birmingham
• Kirstie Lynn DOBBS, Assistant Professor of Practice, Merrimack College
• Lien NGUYEN, Assistant Professor of Practice, Merrimack College
• Sarah PICKARD, Professor of Contemporary British Politics, Society and Culture, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (USN)

With over 1.8 billion young people shaping the future of our democracies, their role in political participation, human rights, and civic innovation has never been more critical. The Youth Democracy Cohort's Study explores what happens when youth are given the space to lead.

Drawing from global examples of successful youth-led policy initiatives, this research offers practical insights and government-backed solutions to elevate youth voices in policymaking. 

Authors: 

• Lukmon AKINTOLA
• Alicja LELWIC-OJEDA

What drives youth political participation and how have policies evolved to support or hinder it? This in-depth scoping study explores the changing landscape of youth engagement from 1980 to 2023, offering a rich analysis of both academic research and policy developments across four key epochs.

Focusing on three core dimensions, youth in political affairs, electoral participation, and civic engagement in democratic contexts, the study maps global shifts in youth policy and practice. Through a systematic review of literature and key government initiatives, it highlights emerging trends and turning points that have shaped today’s discourse.

Designed by the  Youth Democracy Cohort as a practical resource for policymakers, programme designers, and researchers, this study deepens our understanding of youth participation and offers clear direction for crafting more inclusive, future-proof policies.

Authors: 

• Cristina BACALSO 
• Ondřej BÁRTA 
• Dr. Dan MOXON