Recently, I came across an article about the growing role of young people in diplomacy and global problem-solving, and it provided a fascinating look into how the next generation is shaping international relations. The article, “Meaningful Youth Engagement in Policy and Decision-making Processes | Our Common Agenda Policy Brief 3” by the nonprofit Diplo looks at how youth engagement in diplomacy is becoming more prominent, whether through activism, grassroots movements, or even direct involvement in policy-making. Being the president of my school’s Model UN club, the idea of youth being involved in policy through the United Nations piqued my interest.
One of the most striking points was how young people are not just observers but can be active participants in diplomacy. With social media and digital platforms giving them a voice, youth-led initiatives are influencing global discussions on issues like climate change, human rights, and conflict resolution. The article highlighted examples of young leaders successfully driving diplomatic efforts, proving that diplomacy is no longer confined to government officials in formal meetings. One of which is part of the process to “secure agreement on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
Another interesting aspect was the discussion on how traditional diplomatic institutions are adapting to this shift. Organizations like the United Nations and various NGOs are increasingly incorporating youth perspectives, recognizing that younger generations bring fresh ideas and a sense of urgency to global challenges. This raises important questions: How can governments better integrate youth voices into decision-making processes? And what skills do young leaders need to develop to be effective in diplomacy?
Mentioned in the article was the fact that youth boards or coalitions typically are symbolic, and not actually used as a resource. Reading this made me curious about historical cases where youth movements significantly influenced diplomacy. The article gives a list of examples. One of which is the Prime Minister’s Youth Council in Canada. The writer introduced a brief explanation of the group: “In Canada, the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, a group of young people aged 16 to 24 years, provides non-partisan advice to the Prime Minister and the Government on issues of importance, including employment, access to education, strengthening communities, climate change and clean growth.” A group of kids my age making such a direct impact on policy that will shape the rest of their lives is inspiring. Also highlighted in the article, is the difference between “input” and “impact.” Even if all these organizations are in favor of youth involvement, how can we ensure that our efforts are producing tangible effects? Are there examples where young activists have successfully shaped international negotiations? Additionally, I’d be interested to explore how schools and communities can better prepare students for active participation in global affairs. My involvement in Model UN, as well as other public policy-related organizations, allows me to feel more knowledgeable about the current state of our world.
This article reinforced how diplomacy is evolving and how youth are becoming key players in shaping the future. It’s clear that young people are no longer looking on but can be actively involved in addressing global challenges. From climate change to human rights, the role of youth in policy-making has never been more crucial. As we move forward, it’s essential to continue creating effective spaces for youth to engage in policy-making. The future of global affairs, which directly impacts our (as a member of the “youth”) future, depends on our involvement today.
Impact Blueprint 