Youth Leadership Academy 2027

The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is a 10-day training programme that brings together Red Cross and Red Crescent (RC/RC) youth volunteers from across the world. It equips young volunteers with the skills, confidence and tools to become strong leaders, inspire their peers and drive meaningful change in their national societies and local communities.

Young leaders in the RC/RC movement represent both the present and the future leadership in today’s world marked by crises, uncertainty, and an increase in humanitarian challenges. This calls for young leaders that are self-aware and have the courage and ability to speak up and engage as well as lead other youth. At the Youth Leadership Academy 2027, we want to focus on building the skills of young volunteers and leaders in the RC/RC movement, so they are better equipped to be innovative leaders that have tools to mobilize their community and develop youth-led activities as well as tools to create safe spaces for and with their fellow youth.

By investing in young leaders today, YLA contributes to a stronger, more inclusive and youth-led RC/RC Movement – one where young people are empowered not only to participate, but to lead and shape the humanitarian action of tomorrow.

The participants at Leadership Academy will explore several topics including:

• Youth Leadership: Participants are introduced to different leadership approaches and gain practical tools to motivate, engage and support volunteers.
• Advocacy and Storytelling: Participants learn how to use their own lived experiences to inspire and lead others, as well as how to communicate key messages effectively to create awareness and drive change.
• Psychological First Aid: Participants learn how to provide initial support to young people experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis.

The training combines interactive learning sessions and group work, with participants expected to contribute actively throughout. All modules build on the participants’ own experiences, encouraging peer learning, knowledge sharing and practical application.

Where?

The Academy will in 2026 take place in the countryside of Denmark in a beautiful area surrounded by nature. The weekend of the program will be in Copenhagen where the participants will get an opportunity to experience the city and meet young volunteers from Danish Red Cross Youth.

When? 

The Youth Leadership Academy is organized once a year in Denmark. The academy runs from the 10th – 19th of May 2027.

Who?

Youth Leadership Academy targets young volunteers at the age of 18- 30 years from the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement who are committed to being role models and take leadership in their National Societies.

Want to know more?

For questions or further information please contact the Youth Leadership Academy team on drcy-yla@urk.dk