From the Americas to Europe to Africa to Asia, one of the largest youth organizations, 4-H, builds youth leaders and provides a sense of belonging.4-H offers practical skill-building activities, meaningful leadership roles, and partnerships with caring adult volunteers. These three elements create a unique experience that equips young people for success in the future.

The foundations of 4-H began in 1902 with the work of several people in different parts of the United States. The focal point of 4-H has been the idea of practical and hands-on learning, which came from the desire to make public school education more connected to rural life. Early programs incorporated both public and private resources. 4-H was founded with the purpose of instructing rural youth in improved farming and farm-homemaking practices. By the 1970s, it was broadening its goals to cover a full range of youth, including minorities, and a wide range of life experiences. The Global 4-H Network was formed in 2014 at the Summit in Seoul, South Korea. Two representatives were elected from each region (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America & Caribbean, North America) to form the Board of Directors, and the global 4-H declaration was signed. The Global 4-H Network believes the power to build a more sustainable future lies with today’s youth. To ensure global economic and political stability in the future, we must work now to create long-term solutions to strengthen our communities and feed our growing world.