Big Heart transforms lives of over 6m people in 37 countries

What becomes of a child born in a conflict zone? A girl with no access to books or safe schools? A boy who spends his teenage years in a refugee camp rather than a classroom? What world are they growing up to inherit — and more importantly, what chances are we giving them to shape it?

- Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Across borders and belief systems, there is a shared understanding: today's youth are tomorrow’s decision-makers, innovators, and peacebuilders.

But while this truth is widely echoed, it is far from universally realised.

Millions of young people continue to be excluded from the opportunities that allow them to fulfil their potential — not due to a lack of ambition, but because of war, displacement, poverty, and systemic inequality.

Young people make up over 42 per cent of the world’s population. Yet, in regions hardest hit by instability, climate disruption, and conflict, they remain underrepresented in development agendas.

The United Nations reports that over 267 million young people globally are not engaged in employment, education, or training, and refugee populations face significant barriers to accessing higher education.

This situation highlights a critical challenge in realising the potential of youth and ensuring inclusive and equitable access to learning opportunities.