International Youth Day 2026
Published on 28 July 2026
BWI CALL FOR ACTION
Democracy is more than elections. It is the right to speak, to organise, to bargain collectively, and to shape our workplaces, our societies, and our future.
This 12 August, on International Youth Day, young members of the Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) will raise their voices and fists in unity and solidarity to call for DEMOCRACY.
Around the world, democracy is under attack. Authoritarianism is growing, trade union rights are being restricted, young people are excluded from decision-making, and workers who raise their voices are too often silenced. We condemn all the attacks on democracy and rights.
As young trade unionists, we know that democracy begins where we study, work and live. It means having a voice in our workplaces, the freedom to organise, the right to bargain collectively, and the opportunity to build societies based on equality, justice and peace.
✊ Take the Democracy Challenge!
Between 1 August and 15 September, we invite every BWI affiliate to complete at least ONE Democracy Action and share it with the global BWI family.
Choose one or more!
- Fists up for Democracy!
Take a group photo with your colleagues proudly raising your fists alongside the campaign poster.
- Democracy Dialogue
Organise short conversations with young workers at workplaces to talk about democracy and its role in our societies or share information with us about any of your previously held activity on democracy with youth.
- Young Workers Speak
- Record a short video (30–60 seconds) answering: "Why do I stand up for democracy?"
- Interview a young shop steward, workplace representative or activist and share their story.
- Democracy Begins in Our Unions
Strong democracies need strong, democratic trade unions.
Complete BWI's Global Youth Survey to help measure how young workers are represented in your union, how youth policies are being implemented, and what more can be done to ensure young workers have a voice in leadership and decision-making.
Your contribution will help shape BWI's future priorities for youth.
Complete the survey by clicking here.
- Get Creative
Express your message through art, music, theatre, poetry, photography or any creative activity that celebrates democracy, solidarity and workers' rights.
- Tell the World!
Share your action on social media and inspire other young workers to join.
Or send your photos, videos and stories directly to BWI so we can showcase your action across our global network.
📲Use the hashtags: #BWIYouth4democracy #IYD2026
📲 Tag us: @BWIGlobalunion on Instagram and Facebook and X
Let’s make International Youth Day a global show of solidarity. Let’s remind the world that young workers are not silent — we are loud, united, and organised.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any other ideas or questions.