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“The intergenerational gap in power, influence and trust constitutes one of the biggest challenges of our time”, said UN Youth Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayake.
The Be Seen, Be HeardThe campaign partners with The Body Shop International to promote long-term structural improvements that foster youth participation in decision-making.
“With the climate crisis, global conflict and generational inequalities running rampant, More than ever, the inputs and perspectives of youth are essential.”, the Press release reads.
The campaign aims at Millions of young people in more than 75 countries can be heard. across six continents.
Leaders ‘messed things up’ for the planet
The following article will help you understand the preconceptions and structural obstacles that prevent young people from taking part in public life. Be Seen Be Heard: Understanding young people’s political participationWednesday’s report also included recommendations for addressing these issues.
The report confirms that there is a lack of faith in the political system, but that there is a clear desire for more youth representation from all ages.
It reveals that 82% of people worldwide believe the political system must undergo radical reforms to be ready for the future. 70 per centFeel that young people should have more control.
Three quarters of those under age 30 feel that politicians and business leaders have ‘messed things up’We are ready for change and care about the planet and people.
Moreover, two in three people also disagree with the age balance in politics and 8 in 10 uphold that the ideal first-time voting age should be 16 to 18 – even though most countries restrict it to 18 or over.
Recent data show that although almost half the world’s population is under 30They make up only 2.62 percent of global parliamentarians. The average age of a world leader in this country is 62.
Participation of youth is crucial
Ms. Wickramanayake stressed the importance of including youth in decision-making to combat mistrust towards political institutions as well as alienation from elected leaders.
© UNICEF/Sebastian x Gil
With global conflict, climate change, and generational inequality running rampant, it is more important than ever that youth have their voices, perspectives, and representation. Here are the founders and environmental activists of Youth for Climate Argentina.
“As young people have made abundantly clear through their activism on the streets, in civil society and on social media, they care deeply about the transformational change needed to create more equal, just and sustainable societies,” she said.
The campaign is available here opportunity to change and move towards policies that “reflect the priorities of youth, mirror their concerns, and speak their language”.
Optimism for the better future
According to the survey – which covered 26 countries with 27,043 respondents in total, over half of whom were under age 30 – 67 per cent believe in a better future, with 15 to 17-year-olds most optimistic.
And more than two-thirds agree that Political systems would be more effective if there was more opportunity for young peopleTo have a say in policy change and development
This campaign recognizes the vital role that young people can play in decisions that affect us all.
“As escalating global conflict, the ongoing climate crisis and worsening socio-economic issues continue to plague our world, we increasingly need fresh perspectives to guide transformative political decision-making the breaks beyond the status quo”, the press release adds.
Be Seen, Be Heard Campaign
Be Seen Be Heard Promoting youth participation, amplifying young voices and promoting their involvement in public life.
Transformational change
According to the Youth Envoy, young people’s participation in public decision-making could be improved long-term by lowering voting ages; increasing formal youth representation through youth councils, parliaments, or committees; removing barriers for young people to participate in public decision-making; simplifying first-time voter registration; and improving young people’s leadership skills.
The collaboration between the Youth Envoy’s office and The Body Shop means that young people and others will have many routes to participate in the campaign, which It will continue until mid-2025 in 2,600 stores.
Local campaign activities may also include partnerships with youth-focused or youth-led non-governmental organisations (NGOs), petition opportunities, and other actions.
