UNODC Global Youth Campaign 2026: Share Your Story to Prevent Youth Violence and Crime Worldwide

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has launched an inspiring global youth campaign titled “Your Story Can Change the Path”, inviting young people from around the world to use creative expression to address youth violence, crime prevention, healing, belonging, and hope.

This international initiative provides a powerful platform for young voices to contribute to global conversations on safer communities, rehabilitation, prevention, inclusion, and positive social change. Young people aged 18 to 29 are encouraged to share their experiences, perspectives, and creative work to help shape more effective and youth-centered approaches to crime prevention.

For young creatives, storytellers, artists, photographers, poets, musicians, activists, and advocates who are passionate about social impact, this is a unique opportunity to be featured in a United Nations-led global campaign.

About the UNODC Global Youth Campaign

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime recognizes that youth violence and crime affect communities across every region of the world. However, young people are often discussed in policymaking spaces without being given opportunities to speak for themselves.

This campaign aims to change that reality by creating a global platform where youth can openly share:

• Their lived experiences
• Their struggles
• Their ideas
• Their hopes
• Their pathways toward prevention and healing

The campaign focuses on the understanding that building safe and just societies goes beyond law enforcement. Sustainable crime prevention also requires:

• Addressing root causes
• Strengthening protective factors
• Supporting rehabilitation and reintegration
• Expanding opportunities for young people
• Promoting inclusion and belonging

By centering youth perspectives, the campaign seeks to improve how societies understand violence, prevention, resilience, and recovery.

What Makes This Opportunity Important?

This initiative is more than just a creative submission campaign. It is a global advocacy and awareness movement designed to:

• Amplify youth voices
• Challenge stereotypes
• Encourage dialogue
• Promote understanding
• Influence prevention approaches
• Support safer communities worldwide

The campaign particularly welcomes contributions from young people who have:

• Experienced violence
• Witnessed crime
• Been impacted by violence
• Been in conflict with the law
• Experienced marginalization or exclusion

UNODC aims to ensure that prevention strategies are informed by those closest to these realities.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to:

• Young people aged 18 to 29
• Applicants from all countries and regions worldwide

The campaign especially encourages participation from:

• Vulnerable youth
• Youth advocates
• Artists and storytellers
• Young people affected by violence or crime
• Individuals with lived experience related to justice systems
• Community leaders
• Social impact creatives

What Can Participants Submit?

Participants may use various forms of creative expression to tell their stories and perspectives.

Eligible submission formats include:

Creative Categories

• Poetry
• Personal stories
• Drawings
• Photography
• Videos
• Music
• Mixed-media creations

UNODC emphasizes that if the work communicates a meaningful story or perspective related to youth, violence, prevention, healing, or hope, it belongs in the campaign.

Why Young People Should Participate

Participating in this campaign offers young people an opportunity to:

• Share their voice globally
• Inspire positive social change
• Promote understanding and empathy
• Contribute to international advocacy efforts
• Challenge harmful stereotypes about youth
• Support youth-centered prevention policies

Most importantly, participants become part of a larger movement focused on creating safer and more inclusive societies.

Global Recognition Opportunities

Selected submissions may be featured in major international platforms, including:

1. A Digital Youth Zine

Outstanding contributions may appear in a global digital youth publication showcasing stories and creative works from around the world.

2. UNTOC Youth Art Exhibition in Vienna

Selected works may be showcased at a youth art exhibition during UNTOC in Vienna in October 2026.

3. Global UNODC Advocacy Campaign

Creative works may also become part of an international advocacy campaign on youth crime prevention and violence reduction.

This provides participants with international visibility and the chance to contribute to important global discussions.

Themes the Campaign Encourages

Participants may explore themes such as:

• Violence prevention
• Rehabilitation
• Reintegration
• Belonging
• Identity
• Hope
• Community healing
• Youth empowerment
• Social justice
• Inclusion
• Resilience
• Safe communities
• Opportunity creation
• Overcoming stigma
• Peacebuilding

Why Storytelling Matters in Crime Prevention

UNODC highlights that crime prevention is not only about policing or punishment. Real prevention requires:

• Listening to young people
• Understanding social realities
• Addressing inequality
• Supporting communities
• Building trust and opportunity

Creative storytelling helps humanize experiences and provides deeper understanding of the social factors contributing to violence and crime.

Submission Deadline

Deadline:

31 July 2026

Applicants are encouraged to prepare thoughtful and authentic submissions before the deadline.

How to Participate

Interested participants can submit their creative work through the official UNODC submission platform.

Applicants should review:

• Terms and Conditions
• Participants Brief
• Submission Guidelines

before submitting their work.

APPLY HERE 

Benefits of Participating

Participants may gain:

• International exposure
• Recognition by the United Nations
• Advocacy opportunities
• Exhibition opportunities
• Networking visibility
• Portfolio enhancement
• Contribution to global social impact efforts

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Unlike traditional competitions, this campaign focuses on:

• Authentic lived experiences
• Social impact
• Youth empowerment
• Creative advocacy
• Community healing
• Prevention-centered dialogue

It creates space for youth voices to directly influence conversations about safety, justice, and inclusion.

Final Thoughts

The UNODC “Your Story Can Change the Path” campaign is a powerful opportunity for young people to use creativity as a tool for advocacy, healing, and social transformation.

Through storytelling, art, music, photography, poetry, and other creative forms, participants can contribute to global efforts aimed at preventing violence, supporting rehabilitation, and building more inclusive societies.

Young people with important stories, perspectives, and experiences are encouraged to participate and help shape a future rooted in prevention, hope, and understanding.

For more information on this competition visit here 

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