On December 5th, as designated by the UN, CYSD celebrates International Volunteer Day (IVD) each year. This day serves as an opportunity to promote the spirit of volunteerism, particularly among students and youth, encouraging their commitment to sustainable development. In collaboration with UNDP/UNV and like-minded CSOs, CYSD organizes a celebration that attracts hundreds of selected youth and student volunteers from various colleges and universities. They are motivated to engage in volunteer work addressing social issues. Volunteers recognized by partner organizations for their exceptional community contributions across different sectors are honored to inspire and nurture their commitment to volunteerism. Interested volunteers register their names and choose to work in specific thematic areas, either with CYSD or other CSOs.

CYSD has introduced DAKSHYATA, a program focused on life skills, aimed at transforming the lives of young boys and girls living in the slums of Bhubaneswar. DAKSHYATA opens new opportunities and provides meaningful engagement, connecting participants with income-generating opportunities that lead to financial independence and visible improvements in their lives and livelihoods. This program has nurtured hundreds of young individuals, transforming underproductive slum youth into active contributors to society.

DAKSHYATA has also linked hundreds of urban resource-poor unemployed youths with decent jobs in the retail and hospitality industries, with many girls now becoming the primary breadwinners of their households. This initiative has not only improved living standards but also significantly contributed to gender equality and youth empowerment. Participants now play a pivotal role in bolstering their families' economic well-being, fostering a life of dignity and quality.

National Youth Day, also known as Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, is celebrated nationwide every January 12th. Each year, CYSD, in collaboration with like-minded CSOs, commemorates this occasion at the CYSD-DRTC campus to honor Swami Vivekananda. The event aims to inspire young leaders from organizations such as NSS, Red Cross Society, St. John Ambulance, Bharat Scouts and Guides, as well as student volunteers from colleges and universities. It encourages them to pledge their dedication to the nation's betterment and the cultivation of strong character.

CYSD strives to promote community-managed microfinance systems that enable women aged 18-24 to start micro-enterprises and achieve financial inclusion. Additionally, it supports job-oriented vocational training for vulnerable and excluded young men and women in the same age group, helping them access decent employment opportunities.

CYSD believes that youth should be seen not just as victims but as solution providers in the fight against climate change. They need to take proactive and meaningful actions to address climate issues. To do this effectively, they must have a comprehensive understanding of climate challenges, related issues, and the institutions, schemes, and programs designed to address them. Additionally, they must engage actively as responsible citizens, raising awareness and advocating for better climate-resilient practices in the state.

To facilitate this, CYSD periodically convenes enthusiastic young individuals from across the state to identify opportunities for their involvement in Risk Resilience and Climate Change initiatives. Discussions with these young participants focus on: i) their perceptions of the causes and impacts of climate change; ii) the information and awareness they need to engage actively in climate-resilient development; iii) their ideas for enhancing the climate sensitivity of local institutions; iv) strategies related to Agriculture, Health, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) to make these services more climate-sensitive; v) exploring ways to increase youth involvement in climate action.

CYSD, the nodal training institute in Odisha, collaborates with MANAGE, Hyderabad, for the Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centre (ACaBC) scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This partnership aims to enhance agricultural extension services by promoting agri-entrepreneurs. Agriculture graduates from various districts in Odisha receive 60 days of residential training, along with support for business planning and financial institution linkage. As a result, many trainees have launched ventures such as plant protection and farm equipment units, soil testing labs, tissue culture labs, inland fisheries, mushroom farms, and dairy farms. Hundreds of agri-allied professionals trained by CYSD now support over 30,000 farmers across the state.