In celebration of International Youth Day, Special Olympics is proud to announce the newly selected 2025 – 2027 Global Youth Leadership Council (GYLC)—a diverse and dynamic group of 16 youth leaders, both with and without intellectual disabilities. These leaders represent 8 Special Olympics Programs across all seven global regions, including Special Olympics Chile, the host Program for the 2027 World Games.
International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, recognizes the critical role that young people play in building more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable societies. This year, Special Olympics continues its commitment to empowering youth as change agents by welcoming a new cohort of global leaders dedicated to advancing inclusion through sport, education, and advocacy.
The Global Youth Leadership Council is the highest level of youth leadership within the Special Olympics movement. Council members serve a two-year term, during which they guide global youth programming, support the development of local and regional initiatives, and play an integral role in shaping the 2027 Global Youth Leadership Summit, which will take place alongside the Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile.
“Our new Council members represent the very best of what youth leadership can achieve. Their ideas, energy, and lived experience will help shape a more inclusive world—from the field of play to classrooms and communities and ultimately to the global stage. We could not be more excited to welcome this new cohort to the GYLC.”
Jackie Jodl, Chief Education Officer at Special Olympics International
The 2025 – 2027 Council includes:
- 16 youth leaders (8 Unified pairs of youth with and without intellectual disabilities)
- Representation from 8 Special Olympics Programs and all 7 global regions
- Programs include: Chile, Macau, Morocco, Paraguay, Pilipinas, Slovakia, South Africa, and the United States of America
To visit the Global Youth Leadership Council to learn more and meet the new members.
