Thank You for Responding to IIMA-VIDES Survey!
Between May 6 and 12, 2025, we received an incredible 513 responses to our Youth Online Survey on Democracy and Climate Change, from young people and educators in 33 countries across five continents. Notably, 52.2% of respondents were youth aged 18 to 35, ensuring that young voices are central to this important conversation.
This survey was launched by IIMA and VIDES in response to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) call for inputs ahead of the Fifth UN Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, which meets every two years to foster dialogue on key topics related to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This year’s forum theme is “Democracy and Climate Change: Focusing on Solutions.” For more information on the Forum, click here.
The main topic raised by our youth network through the online survey was the urgent need to mainstream youth voices and promote meaningful youth participation in climate and human rights decision-making processes, recognizing that youth must have a real voice and influence in shaping policies that affect their future. To this end, ensuring systematic mainstreaming of youth rights through existing UN Human Rights mechanisms, especially the UPR and the Treaty Bodies, is critical! For the detailed results of the survey, please consult IIMA and VIDES submission here.
We deeply appreciate every young person and educator who answered the survey and shared their voice. Your input is shaping global discussions and influencing the future of democracy and climate action!
Looking ahead: On June 6th, Saïd Business School and UN Human Rights will present the Right Here Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit, a 24-hour virtual event bringing together students, educators, and changemakers from across the world to spotlight the power of education in addressing the climate crisis. Please find out more, including how to register, here.
Stay tuned to our youth page as we continue to advocate for these youth priorities at the UN and beyond.
This web article is available also in Spanish here.