Youth4Soil Manifesto
A global youth-led agenda to protect and restore the world beneath our feet
The Youth4Soil Manifesto is a youth-driven, shared agenda for action on soil health. It brings together global youth priorities, practical recommendations, examples of youth-led action, and commitments toward a unified youth vision for 2050.
Launched on World Soil Day 2025, it was co-created with 200+ young people and 50+ organisations across regions through surveys, consultations, and dialogues.
Co-led by:
In partnership with:
8 Global Youth Priorities
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Strengthen Soil Literacy and Practical Youth Education
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Support Youth-led Innovation, Research, Technology, and Soil Data
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Ensure Meaningful Youth Participation in Soil Governance and Decision-Making
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Strengthen Youth Capacity, Training, and Technical Support
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Protect and Promote Indigenous and Local Knowledge and Practices
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Expand Youth Access to Finance and Investment for Soil Health
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Advance Gender Equality, Social Equity, and Inclusive Participation
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Improve Youth Access to Land and Secure Tenure
#Youth4Soil Voices
Why soil health and why now?
Soil health is the foundation of resilient food systems, climate adaptation, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods. Yet soil everywhere is degrading at alarming rates. Over 95% of the Earth’s soil is projected to decline by 2050 due to drought, human activity, chemicals, pollution, unsustainable land management, and other pressures.
These challenges reduce youth employment opportunities, limit access to land, increase farming costs, and heighten vulnerability to shocks. At the same time, youth voices remain underrepresented in decisions that shape our future.
Young people are already taking the lead, restoring degraded lands, practicing composting and agroecology, applying Indigenous and local knowledge, and training peers. But they continue to face barriers in knowledge, resources, land rights, financing, and participation in soil governance.
This is why the Youth4Soil Manifesto is needed now.
It explains why action is urgently needed and what meaningful youth participation and leadership in soil health should look like.
News & Updates from Youth4Soil
Implementation Guide
We are developing a practical guide to help youth, organizations, and partners apply the Manifesto in their contexts. It will include case studies, tools, and recommendations organized around the 8 priorities.
Get Involved
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For Young People
Join the #Youth4Soil network, submit your story, or apply for the Mentorship Programme.
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For Organizations & Partners
Align your programmes with the Manifesto, contribute case studies, or support the implementation process.
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For Policymakers & Funders
The Manifesto outlines what young people need from decision-makers and investors. Read the recommendations and get in touch to explore how you can support implementation.