To rebuild global trust we need youth voices at the table. Here's why

Young people are on the front line of the world’s most pressing crises. From climate change and rising global inequality to escalating geopolitical tensions, it is people under 30 who will experience the greatest long-term repercussions. Yet, when it comes to decision-making, young people are routinely left off the political agenda.

It is an omission that fuels both frustration and mistrust.

This needs to change. Rebuilding trust depends critically on recognizing and integrating the diverse perspectives of young people into decision-making that affects their future. Only by empowering their voices at community, national and international levels can we tackle the intergenerational challenges looming so large in our societies.

By valuing the insights and fresh ideas of young leaders and combining them with the older generation’s experience, we can cultivate a future of innovative thinking that will drive inclusive solutions to help us all.

The data shows there is a long way to go. When it comes to participation in the political decisions shaping their futures, young people barely register. Despite half the world’s population being under 30 years of age – and 18% of people falling in the age bracket 20-29 – a mere 2.8% of parliamentarians globally are aged 30 or under.

This is not only a major missed opportunity to enroll young talent in the legislative process but a serious injustice because it is young people who will live with the consequences of the laws that are passed today.

The failure of governments worldwide to take account of the priorities of the young produces worrying and negative results. Not paying attention to key concerns such as climate change or education and employment – creates widespread disillusionment.

It is, therefore, no surprise that 84% of young people globally describe politicians as self-interested and 82% believe political systems need drastic reform to be fit for the future.

Far from being apathetic or politically disengaged, the activism of young people evident in street protests and on social media shows they care deeply about creating more equal, just and sustainable societies. The problem is one of agency: their ability to effect change is held back by an intergenerational power gap.

At this year’s Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, 50 young innovators and activists will demonstrate the unique perspectives that young people can bring to tackle a range of global challenges. They will spell out the tangible solutions they are developing.

The delegation from the Global Shapers Community comes from diverse backgrounds across multiple countries, reflecting the community’s broad network of 18,000 young leaders and alumni in more than 500 city-based hubs. They will be united in their call for action by world leaders in Davos.

The need for youth perspectives is particularly urgent when tackling the climate emergency, where it is those under 30 who will bear the greatest consequences of humanity’s failure to cut carbon emissions.

Natalie Montecino sees this first-hand as an educator, researcher and advocate for rural community development, based in Denver, United States. She is the deputy executive director of the Climate Democracy Initiative and an instructor for the Stanford University e-Minamata Programme on Environmental Justice.

“The importance of diverse, inclusive and representative youth participation in governance is nowhere more evident than in addressing the climate crisis,” said Montecino.

“By evolving our global democratic processes to uplift youth voices and lived experiences, we gain the tools necessary to shape a just and equitable future in a rapidly warming world.”

Education is another area where insights from the young are critical – especially when it comes to harnessing technology and inspiring children toward STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers.

Asha Makana, a Global Shaper from Nairobi, Kenya, who works as Tech Lead for Safaricom’s business intelligence team, is a firm believer in the power of education to transform lives. That is why she is giving back to her community by teaching youngsters how to code.

“Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace and reskilling is that bridge between where we are and where we need to be. Let’s build education systems that are responsive to the changing socioeconomic trends,” she said.

Young people are often at the cutting edge of adopting new technology, and their insights will be crucial as society grapples with the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on reshaping business and social interactions.

Since a remarkable 80% of young people already interact with AI multiple times a day, they have a unique perspective on its potential uses in boosting productivity and its risks as a source of disinformation and antisocial practices.

“We are driving the adoption of frontier technologies like AI but we’re also mindful of risks like disinformation and deepfakes that could reshape our social fabric.

“Our focus is on using new technology to enhance – not replace – efforts toward a better world while advocating for responsible innovation and promoting upskilling to address tech-driven job challenges,” said Global Shaper Alphaeus Hanson, from Jacksonville, United States – an assistant director at the Atlantic Council, researching technology companies’ decision-making in risk and geopolitics.

Today’s global challenges call for fresh and innovative thinking from young people, who must be recognized as changemakers – not bystanders. They are, by definition, the demographic with the biggest stake in our shared future. Their voices are essential at the decision-making table to rebuild trust and enable meaningful change.