The 50 Percent
Young people under 30 make up more than half the world's population. Within this "50 Percent" lies the power to drive global change-from the grassroots to the highest levels of leadership.
The 50 Percent is a youth-led platform to enable changemakers to tackle the world’s most complex challenges through systems thinking and compelling storytelling.
By fostering global solidarity and collaboration among young leaders and youth-focused organisations, we’re building a worldwide community united in purpose.
The 50 Percent doesn’t just explain systems, it equips youth with practical tools to understand how interconnected elements shape our world, enabling them to identify powerful leverage points for change and transforming how the next generation approaches everything from climate action to social equity as active citizens.
Project spotlight: We are not waiting
Amplifying youth-led initiatives for systems change.
‘We are not waiting’ is a joint initiative by The 50 Percent and UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES UK Hub that centres young people aged 14–35 as designers of alternative systems already in motion, showcasing real-world initiatives.
An opportunity for young people to amplify their voices. The project consists of:
- An open-access anthology written by young people for young people.
- A youth-led webinar series.
Check out their two key guides for young people:
A co-created toolkit to address systemic challenges.
A practical guide to counter misinformation and strengthen democratic culture.
The 50 Percent is a key initiative of The Fifth Element under the Intergenerational Leadership area of work – which aims to foster systems transformation by empowering young leaders and mobilising intergenerational action and solidarity for systems change. Read more
