Y!Participate emerges as a crucial initiative at a time when the essence of meaningful youth participation is often overshadowed by challenges such as limited access to engagement platforms, inadequate resources, and scarce opportunities for skill development. These barriers hinder young people from making effective contributions, leaving their unique perspectives and innovative solutions untapped in initiatives related to their wellbeing. Additionally, many organizations face difficulties in engaging young people in non-tokenistic ways due to a lack of specialized knowledge and resources, coupled with the absence of a centralized platform for easily accessible, tailored information on youth engagement. Recognizing these gaps, Y!Participate aims to promote an environment where the contributions of young people are not only valued but instrumental in shaping decisions that impact their lives. 

The platform serves a dual purpose: 

1. Connecting young people directly to opportunities and resources, designed to strengthen their capacity and amplify their voices, as well as offering a space for them to connect, share and learn from their peers.
2. Equipping organizations and entities working with or looking to work with young people, with the tools and knowledge to facilitate how they meaningfully involve young people in their work, as well as a diverse pool of young people ready to be engaged. 

We brought together a diverse group of young people to form a Youth Expert Advisory (YEA), serving as experts during the development of this initiative. This group of young people led the creation of the initiative’s brand and voice, shaped communication strategies, and played a critical role in the development of the initiative. This collaborative approach ensured that Y!Participate not only serves the needs of young people but was shaped by their experiences, insights, and aspirations.