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.

What works in UNDP youth programming?

1. Skills to sustained work: Youth employment programmes were more effective where skills training matched labour-market demand and led to practical routes into jobs. In Nigeria, the Jubilee Fellows Programme placed over 10,300 graduates in paid 12-month assignments.
2. Youth platforms beyond visibility: Regional platforms such as YouthConnekt Africa and Youth Co:Lab added most value when they linked young people’s ideas to follow-up support. They were weaker where mandates were broad and country-level ownership weak. YouthConnekt Rwanda achieved the most consistent results, backed by government leadership.
3. Digital tools for future work: Digital tools helped young people build skills, find work and reach wider markets, especially where programmes reduced digital exclusion. In Egypt, 30,000 young people a year trained in software development, cybersecurity and data analytics, and most found jobs before graduating.
4. From voice to influence: Youth participation in governance became more meaningful when young people had defined roles and could see their input shape decisions. In Somalia, youth fellows embedded in local administrations reported that their inputs translated into policies.
5. Recognized peacebuilding roles: Youth contributed most to peace when they had recognized roles linked to locally legitimate structures. In Darfur, Sudan, youth peace ambassadors joined community-level peace negotiations, contributing to reduced tribal conflict.
6. Psychosocial support: Integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) made youth participation safer and more sustainable where distress, stigma or protection risks limited engagement, as in UNDP’s reintegration work in Iraq.