Agency: The willingness, confidence and ability to take action, and belief that one’s action matters and can have a meaningful impact.

Assets: Various types of knowledge, technical skills, soft skills and practical political know-how.

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Resolution on Youth Participation in Democracy: A resolution passed in April 2010 by the IPU to highlight the importance of giving young people a political voice and to promote their knowledge and participation in democratic political activities.

Positive Youth Development (PYD): A philosophy and approach to youth development that emphasizes engaging youth along with their families, communities and/or governments so that youth are empowered to reach their full potential. PYD approaches build skills, assets and competencies; foster healthy relationships; strengthen the environment; and transform systems (YouthPower Learning).

Political Entry Points: Opportunities at the local, national or international level for citizens and CSOs to meaningfully begin expressing their political voice. Examples of entry points may include elections, law making and budgeting processes, and government obligations to international agreements.

Power Holder: A person or group of people in a position of control or authority.

Soft Skills: A set of behaviors, attitudes and qualities that enable people to effectively navigate their environment, work well with others, and deal with challenges and setbacks. These skills include self-efficacy, self-control, higher order thinking (problem solving, critical thinking, decision making), social skills (or interpersonal skills), communication (including conflict resolution and negotiation), empathy and goal orientation, among others.

Supportive Environment: Within the context of political participation, refers to the political avenues and opportunities that encourage young people to express themselves, engage with power holders and demonstrate their competence.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250: A resolution passed in December 2015 calling for the participation and views of youth in decision making, particularly during the negotiation and implementation of peace agreements.