On 12 August 2026, young people from different backgrounds and communities came together to mark International Youth Day under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” The day brought together young people, government representatives, civil society organisations, community representatives and creatives to reflect on issues affecting young people and the aspirations they share despite their different circumstances.
Thirty young people supported through the Dr. Sulley Gariba SDI Impact Innovation Initiative also participated in the event, creating an opportunity to connect with other young people, learn about available opportunities and share insights from their work on youth livelihoods.
The event created a space for conversations around mental wellbeing, livelihoods, peace, employment and the realities young people navigate every day.
Different backgrounds, shared aspirations
The theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” captured one of the strongest messages of the day: young people may come from different communities, regions and circumstances, but many share similar hopes for their future.
For some, this means finding meaningful employment. For others, it means having a safe environment, access to opportunities, being able to express themselves freely or having someone to turn to when life becomes overwhelming.
The opening session reminded participants that these different experiences should not divide young people. Instead, they can create opportunities to learn from one another and build stronger communities.
Thirty young people supported through the Dr. Sulley Gariba SDI Impact Innovation Initiative also participated in the event, creating an opportunity to connect with other young people, learn about available opportunities and share insights from their work on youth livelihoods.
One of the conversations throughout the day was about the opportunities available to young people.
The Nairobi Regional Commissioner’s representative, Mr. Peter Maina, encouraged young people to take advantage of programmes such as NYOTA, as well as opportunities within the digital and creative economy. He highlighted the importance of making use of digital and ICT hubs as spaces where young people can develop skills and access opportunities.
The National Employment Authority (NEA) also shared information on how it connects jobseekers with employers, both locally and internationally.
For a young person searching for their first opportunity, information about where and how to access employment can be just as important as the opportunity itself. The conversation therefore highlighted the need for young people to actively seek information, build skills and make use of the platforms available to them.
When the pressure becomes personal: Youth mental wellbeing
Behind conversations about employment, education and the future is another important question: How are young people coping with the pressure?
Mental health was an important part of the day’s discussions. The panel explored mental health challenges and how young people can navigate different stressors in their daily lives. The panel included representatives from Nairobi City County Government, the National Youth Council, Kenya Red Cross, Muungano wa Wanavijiji, Nzumari Africa, Slum Dwellers Association and Refugee Legal Aid.
Although the panellists represented different organisations and communities, the discussion returned to a common concern: How can young people navigate the challenges they face while finding opportunities to thrive?
Mental health and stress were central to the conversation. The discussion created space to recognise that young people do not experience challenges in isolation. Economic circumstances, social environments, family responsibilities and community conditions can all influence their wellbeing.
The discussion also recognised that young people experience pressure in different ways. Financial difficulties, unemployment, relationships, education, family responsibilities and uncertainty about the future can all affect wellbeing. The presence of mental health advocates and organisations such as Kenya Red Cross helped bring attention to the importance of support systems and knowing where to seek help.
Mental wellbeing should not be treated as a separateconversation from youth development. A young person looking for employment,building a business, participating in their community or pursuing an educationis also navigating their own emotional and mental wellbeing.
Young people using creativity to tell their stories
The event also demonstrated that youth expression goes beyond speeches and formal discussions. Throughout the programme, different groups used music, drama, fashion, acrobatics and performance to communicate messages and showcase their talents.
Matata Arts Acrobats brought acrobatic entertainment, while Owirri used music to explore mental health and entrepreneurship. Dream Winners presented a skit focused on mental health, while EM and Sauti Africa Models showcased fashion and creative expression.
Other performances included Foundation of Hope, the Soul Society Jijenge Initiative and Ubuntu Group, whose drumming performance added another dimension to the day’s celebration.
These performances showed that creativity can be a powerful way for young people to communicate their experiences and start conversations about issues that may sometimes be difficult to discuss directly.
Beyond participation: Young people and responsible citizenship
International Youth Day also provided an opportunity to reflect on the role young people play in their communities. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission representative encouraged peaceful coexistence among different communities. This was relevant to the theme of different contexts and shared aspirations.
Responsible citizenship can take many forms. It can mean participating in community activities, respecting people from different backgrounds, seeking peaceful ways of resolving differences, protecting others online and offline, and taking an active role in issues affecting one’s community. For young people, citizenship is not simply about being part of society. It is also about having a voice in shaping the society they want to live in.
Beyond the celebration: turning youth action.
The day demonstrated that youth participation can take many forms, from sitting on a panel, performing on a stage and sharing personal experiences to creating businesses, accessing employment opportunities and contributing to community initiatives. Different contexts do not have to mean different futures.
A young person from an informal settlement, a student, a young entrepreneur, a refugee or a young creative may experience life differently, but their aspirations can intersect in powerful ways. As International Youth Day 2026 came to a close, the challenge was therefore not simply to celebrate young people for one day, but to continue creating spaces where their voices, creativity, wellbeing and aspirations can shape the communities and future they are part of.
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