Launched in 1999 after 3 years of concept development, the Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) is one of the leading youth alliances in the world today, connecting thousands of organizations in over 180 countries.

Headquartered in New York, GYAN acts as an incubator of global partnerships, and works to:
• increase youth participation in global decision-making;
• facilitate collaboration among diverse youth movements; and
• create support and recognition for positive youth contributions

Underlying everything at the Global Youth Action Network is the belief that together we can change the world. With a worldwide network of organizations, we partner with the United Nations and others to empower young people in decision-making processes. We turn emerging youth programs into global initiatives. We connect independent youth groups, build collaboration, and provide access to resources and tools for capacity building. The Global Youth Action Network is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation (2001, New York), which holds Affiliate Status with the United Nations Department of Public Information, and Special Consultative Status with the UN’s Economic & Social Commission (ECOSOC).