Empowering a Generation: Meet Palestine’s New Youth Advisory Panel
The new members of the Palestine Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) represent the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Photo © UNFPA Palestine
Palestinian youth are facing a generation-defining crisis. In Gaza, they are living through a devastating war that has displaced nearly the entire population, destroyed infrastructure, and left 94 per cent of youth showing signs of severe emotional distress—with only 4 percent accessing formal mental health care. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, young people endure frequent military incursions, settler violence, movement restrictions, and chronic psychological stress. According to Burj Al Luqluq, half of youth suffer from stress linked to unemployment, housing insecurity, and early marriage. Despite these immense challenges, Palestinian youth—who make up 22 percent of the population—continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to shaping a more hopeful future.
To support and amplify youth voices, a new Youth Advisory Panel has been selected for the 2025–2026 term. This is the second national panel and builds on the success of the first. The panel was formed through a fair, multi-step selection process led by the UN Youth Theme Group, the Higher Council for Youth and Sports, and members of the first YAP cohort.
A total of 26 young people—14 women and 12 men—from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, and displaced communities were chosen out of more than 1,050 applicants.The group brings together a mix of young people—women and men from different parts of Palestine, with diverse backgrounds as students, volunteers, and professionals.
The first cohort members of the Palestine YAP receive certifications of appreciation at the ceremony. Photo © UNFPA Palestine
With their motto “Youth for All, All for Youth,” the panel will help make sure youth voices are heard in national decisions, policies, and programs. Members will also help identify the most urgent needs of young people and shape programming by UNFPA and its partner accordingly.
“I believe that every participation has value, and my participation in this meeting as part of the Youth Advisory Panel in Palestine was an important step to amplify our voice as youth and to affirm that our role is not secondary—we are part of this decision, and part of the change that’s coming.”
—Bashar, YAP member, Rafah
First cohort Palestine YAP members Khaled Atta and Nada Hamdan speak about their experiences with YAP at the ceremony and their hopes for the second cohort. Photo © UNFPA Palestine
YAP members will participate in a targeted series of training on leadership, diplomacy, and advocacy. In May 2025, youth from Gaza and the West Bank came together for a planning workshop to build a shared vision and action plan.
“The workshop was the first step to get to know each other, understand our role, and know who our partners are in this journey of impact. I realized that our voice is clear, heard, and limitless like the sky.”
—Nour, YAP member, Ramallah
At a time when youth are often excluded from decisions that affect their lives, this panel gives them a real platform to drive change, uplift each other, and influence policies that matter.
“The training was an inspiring space that made me reconsider my role as a young woman in serving my community. It taught me that change can start with a simple step and a sincere voice. Amid the destruction and daily oppression in Gaza, the training was a small point of light—a reminder that there is still room for learning, for hope, and for a voice that seeks to create change.”
—Dalia, YAP member, Gaza
Despite the difficulties, the second Youth Advisory Panel stands as a testament to the determination and leadership of young Palestinians. They are ready to turn “Youth for All, All for Youth” into a lived reality for every young person in Palestine.
References:
- UNFPA & Juzoor for Health and Social Development. (2024). Shattered Lives and Dreams: The Toll of the War on Gaza on Young People. UNFPA Palestine. https://palestine.unfpa.org/en/publications/shattered-lives-and-dreams-toll-war-gaza-young-people
- UNFPA & Burj Al-Luqluq Social Center Society. (2024). Youth Challenges in the City of Jerusalem. UNFPA Palestine.
