Most adolescents in Mongolia are used to living in an environment where decisions are made for them and where they have limited opportunities to develop themselves and participate in social life. Almost 78 percent of adolescents are not part of any organisation, group or team activity. An environment that would encourage them to develop and spend their free time creatively is limited and inadequate, and activities that are being organised do not meet their interests and needs. At the present time adolescents' ability to take their own initiative is weak and information is insufficient.

The MYDF recognises that active participation is essential for young people to realise their creative and intellectual potential. For this reason the Youth Participation Programme was established to create opportunities for young people to both get involved and also run their own social activities. The programme encourages the free exchange of ideas and opinions to give young people an active role in the decision-making processes affecting their lives, and provides a stage in which to promote issues relevant to youth to the public and government.