WAY co-operates with the UN and many of its special agencies, particularly with UNAIDS, UNEP, ILO, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, UNCTAD and WHO.

The World Assembly of Youth recognises the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the basis of its action and services.

WAY promotes the work of youth organisations in areas such as: democracy, environment, human rights, population, health, drugs, community development, leadership training, and cultural and religious tolerance.

The WAY Headquarters is located in the World Youth Complex in Melaka, Malaysia, having been previously established in London, Paris, Brussels, Copenhagen, and Kuala Lumpur.

The organization is financed from annual membership fees and voluntary contributions from its member organisations, and it has three official languages: English, French, and Spanish.

In 1949, an initiative was undertaken to establish a youth organisation to promote global cooperation and understanding amongst the young people of the world.

In August 1949, the international conference held at Westminster Hall in London established the World Assembly of Youth.

WAY's representatives participate in various UN working groups and other meetings promoting youth issues and the interests of member organisations.

In accordance with Article IV and V of the WAY Charter, membership of WAY is granted as follows: Full members of WAY are national youth councils which are representing a cross section of democratic, voluntary youth organisations in a country or territory, and which have ratified the Charter and are admitted by the Assembly by a vote of the majority of its members.