Understanding Youth Engagement: Principles, Challenges, and Global Practices

Youth engagement constitutes meaningful and active participation of young people in decisions, activities, and processes affecting their lives and communities. This article explores youth engagement across educational, social, economic, and political domains, emphasizing its role in sustainable development, inclusion, and resilience. Drawing on theoretical foundations such as Positive Youth Development, Ecological Systems Theory, and Social Capital Theory, it examines the enabling conditions and barriers to engagement, including inequality, cultural norms, and political instability. Global case studies from Kenya, the United States, India, and international programs illustrate best practices and context-specific strategies. The analysis offers practical and theoretical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers aiming to design and evaluate impactful youth engagement initiatives, particularly in low-resource and emerging economies.