Janelle Forbes was on her way to the library at Durham College in Ontario, Canada, when she first encountered Global Youth Day. At the time, she had never heard of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but was open to meeting new people.

"The youth from College Park Church were at an entryway, greeting people as they came in," she recalled. "They were very friendly, very approachable. We just had a small, quick discussion, but I felt a lot of warmth and connection with them."

That initial interaction led Forbes to further engagement with the group, eventually shaping her involvement with a local Adventist community.

A Global Day of Impact

Global Youth Day (GYD), an initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Youth Ministries Department, is designed to encourage young people to engage in community service. 

“Global Youth Day is part of the Total Youth Involvement (TYI) strategy. Through it, we encourage young people to combat the scourge of idleness and to inspire them to participate in God’s mission,” said Busi Khumalo, director of Adventist Youth Ministries.

Launched in 2013, GYD mobilizes Adventist youth worldwide to participate in acts of kindness, including visiting nursing homes, feeding the homeless, environmental clean-ups, and blood donations.

This year’s GYD, scheduled for March 15, has the theme "A Community Transformed" and will use the hashtags #ACT and #GYD25 on social media.

"When young people step out and serve, they not only uplift their communities but also share Christ’s love with the world in a tangible way," Khumalo added.

A Worldwide Movement of Service

Around the world, thousands of Adventist youth will take part in GYD, each contributing to its goal of demonstrating faith through action. From North America to Africa, Europe to the Pacific, youth-led initiatives range from distributing meals to the unhoused to hospital visits and environmental projects.

"Our young people play a vital role in the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their enthusiasm for service demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities," Pako Mokgwane, associate director of Adventist Youth Ministries, said. "Global Youth Day provides them with an opportunity to turn faith into action."

In 2023, the Voice of Youth (VOY) Unstoppable initiative led 260 young people to Jesus during the GYD celebration in Southern Asia-Pacific region. They organized over 300 GYD sites, conducting community services, health seminars, and evangelistic meetings to reach out to others.

In Papua New Guinea, the Boundary Road Adventist Youth Ministry in Morobe Province participated in GYD by distributing food and water to the homeless and hungry in their local area.

In Brazil's Bahia Sul region, over 7,000 young people engaged in activities such as blood donation drives, dengue awareness campaigns, hospital visits, and public performances to spread messages of hope during GYD in 2024.

In Europe, Adventist young people engaged in 56 outreach initiatives across the Trans-European Division during GYD 2023. Activities ranged from distributing fruit and offering free hugs in the Netherlands to celebrating Mother's Day in England. In Serbia, youth placed a "Sabbath Sofa" on the streets, inviting passersby to rest and reflect, while in Poland, choirs performed in public spaces to share messages of hope.

"Global Youth Day is a reminder that no matter where you are, you can make a difference," Khumalo said. "Service is a universal language that brings people together."

Encouraging Participation

In the years following her first encounter with GYD, Forbes participated in the event herself. "I went back to the same campus, Durham College, and participated in outreach there," she said. It felt like a full-circle moment."

Although she no longer participates as a youth, Forbes continues to support the event. "It’s a valuable experience," she said. "It gives young people an opportunity to connect, serve, and develop a sense of purpose."

A Call to Action for a Global Audience

As this year’s GYD approaches, youth groups worldwide are preparing service projects. Whether distributing food, offering free health screenings, or providing encouragement to those in need, the impact of these efforts extends beyond a single day.

Busi Khumalo (left), director of Adventist Youth Ministries, Pako Mokgwane, associate director of Adventist Youth Ministries, participate in Global Youth Day.

Photo: Busi Khumalo

Pako Mokgwane (left), associate director of Adventist Youth Ministries, and Busi Khumalo (right), director of Adventist Youth Ministries, ready for Global Youth Day. Photo: GCYouth Instagram Page

Photo: GCYouth Instagram Page

Pako Mokgwane, associate director of Adventist Youth Ministries, cuts hair during Global Youth Day event.

Photo: Busi Khumalo

"When young people see the impact they can have, it shapes their perspective on service," Khumalo said. "Global Youth Day is not just about one event. It’s about fostering a mindset of ongoing community engagement, evangelism, and service."

For churches, schools, or individuals looking to join the movement, the invitation is open worldwide. 

"This is a day for all young people, regardless of background, to step out and serve their communities in a meaningful way," Mokgwane said. "We encourage everyone to participate and see the difference they can make."

For more information on how to get involved in Global Youth Day, visit gcyouthministries.org.