Youth in Brazil

UNESCO in Brazil has a strategy for youth programmes, focusing on youth participation in public policies, training and transition to adulthood, and young people's education and participation in democratic life.
Last update:2 February 2024

Youth Development

Partnerships with UNESCO Brasilia have played a strategic role in elaborating and practically applying a national youth policy and in establishing forums for formulating, implementing and monitoring programmes focused on youth development.

The United Nations defines 'youth' as persons between the ages of 15 and 24. However, being young can vary enormously worldwide, and 'youth' is often a fluid and changing category. As such, context is essential in UNESCO's definition of youth on specific occasions. Thus, this definition is flexible and can vary between countries and regions.

Youth participation

Young women and men have the creativity, the potential and the capacity to make change happen 鈥 for themselves, their societies, and the rest of the world.

UNESCO's work with and for youth is committed to empowering young women and men and helping them work together to drive social innovation and change, participate fully in developing their societies, eradicate poverty and inequality, and foster a culture of peace. 

Youth are not just beneficiaries of this work 鈥 they are essential in finding solutions to the issues young people face today. They have demonstrated energy and leadership globally and must be fully engaged in social development and supported in this work by their societies. 

Youth in Brazil

Youth leader from Brazil, Maya Gabeira

UNESCO welcomes Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira as Champion for the Ocean and Youth 

Youth leader from Brazil, Vinicius Junior

Vin铆cius Junior named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

Violence Prevention Among Young People in Brazil

Crime and violence have increased dramatically in Brazil in recent decades, particularly in large urban areas, leading to an intense public debate on causes and solutions.

The right to life is the most fundamental of all rights. Security means living without fearing the risk of violating one鈥檚 life, liberty, physical integrity or property. Security means not only being free from actual risks but also being able to enjoy the feeling of security. 

Violence is seen as a violation of fundamental human rights. It is considered a threat to respect for the principles of liberty and equality. 

Digital inclusion

UNESCO expects to play a primary role in supporting social inclusion actions to create opportunities for young people to improve their living conditions and develop their citizenship and to respond to the challenge of preventing youth violence, focusing on access to 

Media and information literacy
Social inclusion in Brazil

Crian莽a Esperan莽a Programme

UNESCO Brasilia uses the experience acquired during the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (2001鈥2010) to conduct long-lasting, effective intersectoral initiatives, such as the Crian莽a Esperan莽a Programme.

Crian莽a Esperan莽a Programme: a success story
UNESCO Office in Brasilia
2021
UNESCO
0000380359
Percep莽玫es, conhecimentos e expectativas de estudantes e professores do ensino m茅dio da rede p煤blica brasileira sobre empreendedorismo
Lott, Ana Cristina de Oliveira
Instituto 脢xito de Empreendedorismo (Brazil)
2021
Published with the assistance of UNESCO Office Brasilia
0000377528