YIP started as an idea and topic of conversation amongst a diverse international group of young people connected to the YouthSection of the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. The energy and momentum to create YIP kept building during a variety of youth gatherings and network events. It was in January 2007, during one of these international youth gatherings in Switzerland, that a first draft for the program was designed and a small group committed themselves to take the initiative from being a great idea into an actionable project.

That same year the association called The International Youth Initiative Program was founded as the legal body to carry out the program. Additionally the agreements, partners, seed-funding and the location were established in order to launch the first year of the program. Whilst aiming to establish programs around the world, the first version of the program was planned to launch in Järna, Sweden.

In June 2008 the first organising team gathered in Järna to prepare themselves, the facilities and the curriculum. In August 2008 the first year of YIP kicked off. Over the years that followed the program has kept changing and adapting to the current needs, interests and trends in the current global debates and developments.

The program and it’s curriculum, as well as the staff and organisation have a rapid turnover and change on a yearly bases. Nonetheless, since its start, the program has managed and remained committed to meet each individual student, whilst also offering a coherent educational program.

Each year has been attended by participants from between 15-20 nationalities on average. In total YIP has been attended by participants from over 40 nationalities and all continents.

After being operational for many years,  the initiative YIP is no longer only an innovative educational platform and program, but also a global, and growing network of social and societal entrepreneurs.

Since the beginning the organizing team has welcomed many and changing members, assistance and volunteers. The frequent change over has made for a fresh, dynamic and diverse group of organisers each program year.