Volunteering with the International Youth Federation means contributing to work that sits at the intersection of youth leadership, institutional development, and international cooperation.

IYF operates as a global platform where ideas are translated into programmes, coordination, and systems that support youth engagement across regions and contexts. Volunteers are not added to activities as an afterthought; they are integrated into ongoing work that supports real organizational priorities.

In line with its commitment to national ownership and contextual relevance, the International Youth Federation operates on the principle that representation must be grounded in lived national and regional realities. All country representatives are citizens of the countries they serve, and regional teams are composed of professionals from the regions they represent. This approach ensures that leadership, coordination, and decision-making remain locally informed, culturally grounded, and accountable to the communities they engage.

Guided by a commitment to genuine inclusion, the International Youth Federation seeks to reflect the full diversity of the international community — including countries and societies with rich histories, identities, and cultures that remain underrepresented or insufficiently recognized in global spaces. By ensuring representation across all regions and contexts, IYF works to create platforms where diverse national experiences are visible, respected, and meaningfully engaged in collective dialogue and action.

What distinguishes IYF is its emphasis on responsibility over visibility. Volunteers are trusted with defined roles, expected to contribute thoughtfully, and supported within professional teams that value clarity, collaboration, and accountability. This creates an environment where service is purposeful and learning is inseparable from delivery.

For those seeking more than participation — and who want to understand how international organizations function in practice — volunteering at IYF offers exposure to real processes, diverse teams, and the discipline required to turn collective ambition into sustained impact.