Young refugees are not only victims of circumstance; they are pioneers, inventors, and leaders who can inspire change. Encouraging their efforts and investing in their futures will release an abundance of talent capable of addressing some of the most urgent problems in the world.
Young refugee leaders are forward looking, with creative ideas and a strong message. They made this clear at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2025: “We are change makers in our host countries, not only recipients.”
However, there is a critical need for investment in leadership, education, and income-generating projects for young displaced people as they push for more robust commitments to socioeconomic inclusion.
Kesiya Ramazani Stamili, a young refugee leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), epitomizes this kind of resiliency and creativity. Kesiya co-founded Transformation Innovation Hub (TIH), a driving force in empowering young people in forced displacement, equipping refugees with the skills, support, and resources needed to thrive. “We equip young people to become entrepreneurs through intensive training programs,” she says.
Through a comprehensive training program, TIH has empowered over 150 young entrepreneurs with essential skills in design thinking, business development, and technology integration. It has yielded remarkable results, with over 20 social enterprises launched, creating jobs and improving local livelihoods for refugees and the host community. Projects like Maajabu Fish Farming, which supports sustainable aquaculture, and TEG repellent, which creates environmentally friendly mosquito-repellent candles, highlight the ability of young leaders to propel positive change.
Adhraa Faris Qwqa, a young refugee woman originally from Iraq and co-founder of Life Savers in Jordan, also stresses the importance of youth leadership. Her group trains Jordanians in first aid, benefiting the host community as well as young refugees. “Young refugees should be considered change agents and leaders,” she says. “Our projects have a good knock-on effect for the whole neighborhood.”
The Global Refugee Youth Network (GRYN)* plays a key role in amplifying these voices. Through the Youth Action Fund, which supports grassroots projects spearheaded by young refugees, GRYN empowers young refugees. There is a need for a paradigm transformation: Young refugee leaders should not only be seen as beneficiaries, but also as local leaders and change agents. GRYN’s goal is to enable young refugees to spearhead projects inside their host countries, which encourages ownership and empowerment.
Despite efforts like GRYN’s, many young refugees confront considerable hurdles, including a lack of financial resources and limited access to education. These obstacles can limit their potential and prevent them from having a significant influence. Kesiya emphasizes the need to tackle these problems by providing long-term, flexible financing for ventures headed by refugee youth.
Investing in their growth and supporting their projects will help to open the path for a more fair and inclusive society. By doing so, we will build a better future for everybody and guarantee that every young person has the chance to flourish.
* GRYN was co-founded and is supported by the Women’s Refugee Commission.