The role of Youth Ambassador SRHR was set up by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and CHOICE for Youth & Sexuality in 2015. Through this program, the MOFA and CHOICE, work together to give young people a voice and a platform to advocate for their sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and their meaningful participation in all areas of decision-making; at the national, regional and international level. This partnership contributes to the development of progressive and inclusive policies for young people and emphasizes the importance of meaningful youth participation in the design, development and implementation of sexual health policies. The Youth Ambassador provides an important link, connecting policymakers with the sexual health realities of young people in the Netherlands and around the world.

The Youth Ambassador for SRHR joined the Dutch delegation to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) in 2015 and 2016, as a civil society representative. Their position on the delegation gave the Youth Ambassador access to official and informal negotiation spaces which are normally off limits to young people, and put the Youth Ambassador in a unique position to connect and support the international SRHR youth movement during these processes, and help amplify youth voices from around the world. CHOICE sees the Youth Ambassador as an example of a best practice which can be replicated by other governments to ensure young people’s meaningful engagement within national, regional and international spaces and processes.