The Reflections series synthesizes lessons from past evaluations to support organizational learning about what works and what doesn't. Based on evidence from 40 UNDP evaluations and five external reports, this paper identified six lessons on youth and development:

1. Skills to sustained work: UNDP youth employment and livelihood interventions were more effective where skills development was shaped by labour-market demand and linked to practical routes into jobs 
2. Youth platforms beyond visibility: Regional youth platforms added most value when they linked young people’s ideas and innovations to follow-up support, but results were weaker where mandates were broad, partner roles unclear and country-level ownership weak.
3. Digital tools for future work: Digital tools helped young people build skills, access work opportunities and reach wider markets, especially where programmes reduced digital exclusion.
4. From voice to influence: Youth participation in governance became more meaningful when young people had defined roles and visible routes from voice to decisions.
5. Recognized peacebuilding roles: Youth were best able to contribute to peace when they had recognized roles and were linked to locally legitimate structures.
6. Psychosocial support: Programmes that integrated mental health and psychosocial support helped make youth participation safer and more sustainable where distress, stigma or protection risked limited engagement.