Young people are leading the way on global concerns from climate change to gender equality, especially in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic. They have the right to make choices about their body and life. Yet it’s true that they cannot always realize their rights. As the world commemorates International Youth Day 2021 (12 August) UNFPA pledges to do everything we can to act with young people on the challenges they face. We stand with them in their fight to claim the world they imagine - and deserve.