About WYI

A New Generation
Shaping Global Policy

The World Youth Initiative is a youth-led international think tank dedicated to elevating the voices of the next generation in global policy discourse — through rigorous research, cross-border collaboration, and principled advocacy.

WYI is a youth-led think tank elevating young voices in global policy.

Our Mission

Research-Driven.
Youth-Powered.
Globally Minded.

The World Youth Initiative exists to bridge the gap between young people and global governance. We believe that the most pressing challenges of our time — climate change, democratic erosion, economic inequality, and technological disruption — require fresh thinking from those who will live longest with their consequences.

WYI bridges young people and global governance — building the next generation of evidence-based policymakers.

Our Values

Rigorous Research

We produce policy-relevant analysis grounded in evidence, methodological rigor, and intellectual honesty — holding ourselves to the standards of the world's leading think tanks.

Global Perspective

Our research teams span every continent. We design for diversity of perspective as a first principle, not an afterthought — because global problems demand global insight.

Youth Leadership

Every role at WYI — from researcher to council lead — is held by someone under 30. Youth leadership is not our brand; it is our operating principle.

Policy Impact

Ideas without impact are just ideas. We measure success by whether our work reaches decision-makers and shifts conversations in multilateral forums, governments, and civil society.

Integrity

We are non-partisan and independent. Our analysis serves no government, ideology, or donor agenda — only the long-term interests of a sustainable, just, and open world.

Openness

Our publications are freely accessible. We partner openly with academia, civil society, and institutions that share our commitment to evidence-based policymaking.

Leadership

A Message From
Our Founder

Marc Nestele

Founder

Marc Nestele

I'm Marc, 18, and grew up near Munich. I'm finishing school this year, where I also serve as school president, and heading to the United States for university. My interests sit at the intersection of mathematics, economics, and politics, and I've always been drawn to understanding how systems work and, more importantly, how they can be changed.

I didn't start the World Youth Initiative with a grand blueprint. I started because I kept noticing the same absence: young people consistently left out of conversations that will define their futures. Not for lack of ideas, but for lack of a platform that takes those ideas seriously. WYI is my answer to that.

Global Reach

Network Coming Soon
Under Development

Building Our Network

Our national research teams are currently being recruited. This section will go live once our global network is established.

Represented Across Every Continent

WYI's national research teams operate across the globe, bringing local expertise and regional context to questions of international significance. Our network spans every major geopolitical region.

WYI's research teams span every major region, bringing local expertise to international policy questions.

Europe
12 teams
Africa
10 teams
Asia-Pacific
11 teams
Americas
8 teams
Middle East
5 teams
Interactive Map

Be Part of What's Next

Whether you're a researcher, advocate, or institution — there is a place for you at WYI.

Apply to Join Read Our Research
Research portal opening soon