Guiding Principles

 These underpin how we operationalise our objectives and work to achieve our aims:

 Beliefs

 

·         IYP works towards positive and sustainable social change with, and for the benefit of people, particularly young people around the world. IYP’s central vision is young people taking collective and individual action to build a peaceful, equitable and sustainable world.

 

·         IYP promotes sustainable development (economic, social and environmental), by providing avenues for dialogue on these issues and by supporting network initiatives for sustainability.

 

·         IYP works within the human rights framework and promotes the implementation of internationally recognized human rights, both socio-economic and civil-political. IYP works with Oxfam International’s broader vision of increasing the number of people, particularly young people, who have a sustainable livelihood, access to social services, an effective voice in decisions, equal rights and safety from conflict and disaster.

 

·         IYP believes that the current form of globalisation is not inevitable. It is the result of political and economic choices made by institutions, governments, corporations and individuals. IYP encourages and supports young people inheriting the legacy of these choices to challenge, question and build an alternative form of globalisation.

 

·         IYP empowers young people to full, active and effective youth participation in all levels of decision making, including decisions made at the United Nations, in corporations, at national and local levels, and in the home.

 

Operational Principles

 

·         IYP strives to understand and reflect the diverse voices of its members and young people throughout the world from different linguistic, religious, cultural and social backgrounds, and particularly those who are geographically, technologically and politically isolated. This does not mean that IYP accommodates the voices of young people whose views or actions are contrary to IYP’s guiding principles or vision

 

·         IYP does not aim to achieve consensus.  Rather, IYP encourages critical analysis of issues leading to action for a peaceful, equitable and sustainable world.

 

·         IYP celebrates and promotes cultural diversity and seeks to acknowledge and incorporate different cultural perspectives, particularly those of Indigenous youth, within its work and activities.

 

·         IYP is committed to providing and promoting gender equity in its composition, structures, practices and concerns.

 

·         IYP provides opportunities for its members and young people throughout the world to build cross-cultural, cross-religious, cross-social and cross–political friendships and partnerships for a positive change. IYP is committed to a culture of peace.

 

·         IYP fosters relationships with agencies and organisations that its Action Partners originate from, as well as strategic partners and alliances.

 

·         IYP seeks to encourage the creativity, personal growth and professional development of its network, staff and volunteers so that they can acquire better understanding and skills for working towards community and social development.