Across the world, young people are redefining what it means for them to be engaged with an issue. Today’s young leaders want full involvement in all matters that affect their lives. They want autonomy, decision-making power, and they know it’s time to act.

In the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), young people’s meaningful inclusion and participation is especially pertinent. Family planning initiatives have the potential to transform relationships, education systems, communities, economies, and nations. The future of our world and, therefore, the future of global youth, is in the hands of how we approach family planning policy and initiatives here and now.

Last month, hundreds of young advocates gathered in Kigali, Rwanda for the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP). Joined by other advocates, political leaders, scientists, researchers, and policymakers, ICFP provided the opportunity to share best practices, celebrate successes, and chart a course forward. Women Deliver had the opportunity to speak with two distinguished youth advocates who are making waves in the SRHR conversation.

Coming from distinct vantage points, Irem Tumer, a Women Deliver Young Leader from Turkey and Technical Analyst at UNFPA, and Adebisi Adenipekun, a Young Leader from Nigeria and CEO of Lighthouse Global Health Initiative shared their personal motivations, challenges in their work, and why youth involvement is paramount to ensuring a healthy, prosperous future for all.

For the full in-depth conversation, view the Facebook Live video below.

For more on ICFP 2018, view the conference recap video.