Our youth may grow up in very different places, but many of their hopes are the same. They want to feel safe, have access to good education, meaningful opportunities, a voice in their communities, and a healthy and peaceful future.

This is the message behind the 2026 International Youth Day theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” The United Nations is highlighting the experiences of young people living in Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, where poverty, climate change, isolation, and limited opportunities can create additional challenges. Yet, young people in these communities continue to show creativity, leadership, and resilience.

Within our Global Tree Initiative community, we have seen this spirit many times! Our global community connects people from different countries and cultures through one simple action: planting trees.

Over the years, we have seen through our community how a tree can become a classroom, a source of food, a home for wildlife, or simply a reminder that we all share the same Earth. Most importantly, planting together gives our young people an opportunity to learn about Mother Nature and to understand that their actions can help shape the future.

Let’s reflect on some inspiring actions of our youth:

 

Young island stewards in Tahiti and Indonesia

We remember the pupils of Taimoana Elementary School in Tahiti, who planted ten fruit trees in their school courtyard. Their reasons were beautifully simple, yet inspiring: to help future generations, to give back to the Earth, and to stand together for a sustainable island.

 

 

And in Lembata, Indonesia, children from the Taman Daun community learned about protecting coral and ocean life. Their activities connected the land, the ocean, and the traditional culture of their island, showing us that caring for nature means caring for the whole community.

 

 

Learning from the land in Nigeria

We reflect on the work of Imam Maiyaki in Nigeria, founder of Farmtastic Farms and our Regional Coordinator Volunteer. Through his Green CommuniTree Project, Imam has worked to plant trees and restore vegetation while teaching communities about climate change and the importance of protecting nature.

For Imam, being part of the Global Tree Initiative is also about belonging to a worldwide community. His experience reminds us that young people do not need to work alone. By sharing ideas, knowledge, and encouragement across borders, a local tree-planting project can become part of something much bigger.

 

 

Growing together in South Africa

We also remember Francois Fick and his family in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. Francois and his wife, Mariette, have made tree planting part of family life, encouraging their children, Robbie and David, to get their hands into the soil.

On Earth Day, the family planted a Bougainvillea together. It was more than putting a plant into the ground. It was an opportunity for the children to experience nature directly and learn about interconnectedness, generosity, beauty, and care.

We also remember how Francois’ father-in-law, “Oupa David”, developed an orchard with more than 50 fruit trees, with his grandsons happily helping him. These moments show how knowledge can pass between generations while children discover the joy of growing something themselves.

 

 

Children shaping their future in Australia

In Australia, students at Daylesford Dharma School showed us what youth leadership can look like.

As part of the Trees for Schools project, students helped plant hundreds of native trees and plants around their school. On 6 November 2025, around twelve students planted 50 trees and plants. On 19 November, around 30 children planted another 120.

These students were not simply planting trees. They were learning about soil, water, biodiversity and habitat. With the help of Mark, Jill, and Heather, they even helped design water-harvesting basins to protect their young plants, while one student explained why more trees were needed: “More animals will come, like bees.”

It is a simple observation, but it shows us that when children spend time with nature, they begin to understand how everything is connected.

 

 

We also remember the children in Mikomiseng, Equatorial Guinea, who learned to till the soil, grow food and plant trees. Their gardening activities helped them build confidence, develop practical skills and understand the value of caring for creation.

 

 

In Tanzania, Inuka Youth Development planted fruit trees with local communities and schools. The project connected tree planting with education and livelihoods, helping families grow food and potentially earn income while restoring the environment.

 

 

In Bodh Gaya, India, teachers and students at Maitreya School, together with our Global Coordinator Director, Hans Timpner, planted more than 20 trees and plants. Seeds were also shared with the children so they could learn about the complete journey of a plant: from seed, to soil, to tree.

 

 

And finally, we remember our community in Zimbabwe, when pupils at Mutanda Primary School planted trees dedicated to people who had helped the Global Tree Initiative bring communities together. Through the #CatchThemYoung campaign of our partner, Manica Youth Assembly, these children became part of a global network of people celebrating nature and community.

 

 

One planet, one young generation

As we can see, these inspiring stories come from different countries, cultures and environments. Some of these children live on islands, while others live in cities, villages, mountains or dry regions. Their daily lives may be very different, but when we look at these young tree planters, we see something they share. We see that they are learning. They are participating. They are caring. And they are planting for a future they will share with others!

International Youth Day reminds us that our young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow. They are already helping to create change today.

On this beautiful note, we wish our young global community a Happy International Youth Day!

And remember that if you planted trees in celebration of this day, please remember to tell us about it by filling out this form on our website.