Celebrating International Youth Day 2025: Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond

In communities across Cambodia, young people are rising with energy, creativity, and a powerful sense of purpose. They're not waiting for change to happen — they’re making it happen. This is the heart of International Youth Day 2025, a day that celebrates Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.

At Breakthrough, we see these stories every day. From the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh to communities across Cambodia, youth are leading the charge on issues that matter — from climate action to gender equality, mental health to education. They are turning dreams into plans, and plans into action, proving that meaningful change starts at home.

(Photo: Breakthrough)

Breakthrough's Youth-Led Podcast Campaign

Our latest campaign, a podcast series launched between March and June 2025, spotlights women's leadership in climate action, especially from marginalised communities. The episodes include:

• Indigenous Women: Traditional Knowledge Keepers & Climate Actors — Host: Poev Sinoun | Guests: Fong Champei & Prak Phoung (CIWA)

• Many Voices, One Cause: The Power of Diverse Representation — Host: Vy Chhailim | Guests: Vorn Thary (SUDrain) & Chhen Sreypich (Breakthrough)

• The Ripple Effect: How Women Empower Each Other — Host: Heng Bodalin | Guests: Chan Kimcheng (Women Champion Network) & Vin Puthealy (Young Eco Ambassador)

  
  

Our podcast series on women’s leadership in climate action. (Photo: Breakthrough)

Through storytelling and dialogue, the series explored the intersections of gender, climate change, and community leadership.

“This podcast connects the dots between climate change and gender equality,” says Heng Bodalin, co-founder of Breakthrough Movement. “We want to break the silence on the link between climate change and gender-based violence, spark meaningful conversations, and spotlight women who are creating inclusive solutions.”

Van Chankanha, co-founder of Breakthrough Movement, adds:

“These initiatives create a ripple effect — empowering women, amplifying their leadership, and driving collective action towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

Voices from the Community: Listener Reflections

Episode 1: “This inspired me to keep learning. I believe Indigenous women can be powerful leaders in creating peaceful change.” — Young woman, Svay Rieng

Episode 2: “Sreypich raised disability inclusion in a way that felt personal. It reminded me that attitudes still need to change.” — Young woman with disabilities, Siem Reap

Episode 3: “Bong Cheng’s story encouraged me to challenge gender roles and lead in my own community.” — Young woman, Phnom Penh

Impact at a Glance

Thanks to the creativity and commitment of youth networks such as Nexus4Youth, Bridge the Gap, UNYAP, Loveisdiversity, Young Eco Ambassador, and RULErs, these episodes reached over 153,000 people, garnered nearly 300,000 total views, and sparked more than 8,000 engagements on Facebook. This campaign shows how local youth voices can amplify global issues, inspire action, and foster solidarity across communities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

• Our guest speakers, whose expertise and vision brought each conversation to life.

• The Breakthrough team, whose tireless dedication and passion made this campaign possible.

• Our engaged listeners, whose reflections and feedback continue to inspire us.

Storytelling Through Film and Dialogue

The Linking Lives campaign connects young climate leaders across Cambodia, creating vibrant spaces for sharing stories and solutions. Meanwhile, the Breakthrough Short Film Festival brings these stories to life through powerful, youth-produced films.

Participants gather enthusiastically at the Breakthrough Short Film Festival in Cambodia, the inaugural festival created by youth for youth, held on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo: Breakthrough)

You can explore and watch the top 11 short films of the Breakthrough Short Film Competition showcased at the 2024 festival, which educate, motivate, and inspire audiences near and far.

Sokhavattey, a filmmaker, explains:“Filmmaking is a powerful medium for inspiring audiences to take action and drive social change.”

A young female footballer from Sena Angkor United shares: “Neighbours often say football is for men. I strive to challenge that notion and prove women can excel in the sport.”

Inclusion Means Everyone: Engaging Men and Boys

Beyond storytelling and youth leadership, Breakthrough also recognises that gender equality requires everyone’s participation. At a recent panel, BT member Udom Chuon emphasised:

“Men can support women in various ways. Gender equality requires everyone’s involvement, including men.”

Empowering Youth Leadership and Intersectionality

Beyond storytelling, Breakthrough equips youth with skills, training, and platforms to lead confidently. Our focus on intersectionality ensures that marginalised youth — including Indigenous, gender-diverse, and differently-abled young people — are empowered and heard.

Active youth participation is a catalyst for stronger, more resilient communities. When youth help shape policies and programmes, solutions become more relevant, innovative, and effective. Breakthrough advocates for spaces where youth leadership is central — not peripheral.

On this International Youth Day, we celebrate the vibrant and diverse ways youth contribute to sustainable development — not only as beneficiaries but as leaders of change. The Sustainable Development Goals set a horizon for 2030, but the commitment, passion, and creativity of youth promise change that will last far beyond.

Breakthrough shows us that change starts from us. When youth stand for women’s rights and equality, they lay the foundation for thriving communities and a just future. This movement is more than a call — it's an invitation for all of us to join, support, and amplify the voices of youth shaping the SDGs and beyond.

Easy Actions Youth Can Start Today to Drive Change Locally

• Shop or promote women-led businesses in your neighbourhood and community.

• Support a local campaign that aligns with your passion for promoting gender equality and civic engagement.

• Create short videos or posts sharing stories of local changemakers.

• Reduce single-use plastics by carrying reusable items.

• Start or join a small peer group to talk openly about mental health, gender equality, or climate action.

• Volunteer to help organise community events that raise awareness about women’s rights or environmental care.

• Share information from trusted sources to combat misinformation.

• Practice energy-saving habits at home.

No matter where you are, your action matters. Local youth movements today are the foundation for global progress tomorrow!