IT'S TIME TO
CHANGE THE
CODE
Around the world, young people are already responding to crises in their communities, leading efforts on the frontlines of humanitarian action. Yet the systems that shape policy and funding rarely reflect their leadership.
Change the Code brings together youth leaders, networks, and partners to ensure those closest to the work are not just included, but actively shaping how the humanitarian system operates.
What We’re Fighting Against
A humanitarian system that continues to operate without reflecting the realities on the ground. We are challenging the structures, decisions, and practices that keep power distant from those already leading responses within their communities.
Exclusion from Decision-Making
Young people are actively responding to crises, yet they are rarely included in the spaces where policies are shaped and key decisions are made.
Tokenistic Participation
Too often, youth inclusion is treated as a checkbox rather than a commitment. Engagement happens at the surface level, without giving young people real influence, ownership, or power in the process.
Centralized Power/Funding
Resources and decision-making authority remain concentrated within a small group of global actors, making it difficult for youth-led and local initiatives to access funding and drive solutions within their own communities.
Lack of Accountability
There is limited follow-through on commitments to inclusion and reform. Without clear accountability mechanisms, promises to involve youth often fail to translate into meaningful action.
JOIN OUR
COMMUNITY
More Than First Responders (MTFR) is a digital community of young humanitarians, established and facilitated by ActionAid Global Platform. It brings together young people from diverse humanitarian contexts into a collaborative space to connect, learn, and lead.
Through MTFR, members engage in continuous learning, peer exchange, and mentorship to strengthen their knowledge and practice. The community fosters co-creation of tools, sharing of best practices, and development of innovative approaches to advance youth leadership in humanitarian action. MTFR is open to young people and practitioners committed to strengthening youth leadership, collaboration, and innovation across humanitarian, development and peace agendas.
If you are passionate about advancing youth leadership in humanitarian action, this community is for you. Join the community and be part of a growing movement to strengthen youth-led humanitarian action.
Join Us 📣
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
Global Survey Voices
We are quantifying the power of local leadership. Join over 250+ young humanitarians who have already shared their expertise to rewrite the humanitarian program. Help us reach our 500+ voice milestone to turn individual stories into a global movement for change.
OUR PARTNERS
Take actionPower Must Reflect PracticeFrom Participation to PowerDemand InclusivityRedefine the SystemBuilding Collective PowerLeadership Is Not Optional
Shift the PowerChange the CodeVoices Shape DecisionsDemand accountabilityProtect the FutureCenter the FrontlinesGet Involve
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Change the Code is a Global Platform youth-led movement working to reshape how humanitarian decisions are made. We connect young people, networks, and partners across regions to ensure that those closest to the realities of crisis are shaping the systems meant to support them. Through collective action, shared evidence, and collaboration, the movement is driving a shift toward a more accountable, responsive, and people-centered humanitarian system.