A Governance Befitting: Catalysed by Youth Committing

By Shidan Javaheri

Increasingly turbulent conditions in the world have intensified the urgency to establish a truly united global order. A Governance Befitting aptly recognizes that periods of turmoil present opportunities for “marked social change.” Throughout history, young people have spearheaded such processes of transformation – and the same stands true today. Serious thought therefore must be given to how the international community can draw fully on the potential of youth in “redefining collective values and the assumptions that underlie them.”

Youth are far from monolithic, but certain attitudes do tend to characterize this stage in life. Though materialistic notions of progress have often narrowly defined youth as inexperienced – in some instances disillusioned or even disrespectful – such limited narratives overlook the potential of this period of life. Many young people have a keen aptitude for the “experimentation, search, innovation, and creativity” mentioned in the statement. Many have a mindset that is open, detached, and acutely inquisitive. Many are also highly idealistic in outlook, with courage and a readiness to sacrifice time and energy for a cause they believe in.

This stage of life lends unique structural circumstances to the lives of youth, including how their time is organised and the duties they are called to shoulder. Their unique position in society, for example, helps them connect naturally with both older and younger generations, bridging the populations both above and below them and strengthening bonds of intergenerational cooperation. During the critical years of early adolescence, ideas about the individual and society that may well shape the rest of their lives are formed. And as young adults begin careers, find spouses, and start families, the choices they make can have effects that last decades. When animated by a firm conviction in the oneness of humankind, youth represent a great force, brimming with potential, to contribute to “decisive steps forward in our collective journey toward enduring, universal peace.”

One area mentioned in the statement that is of central importance is how increasing consideration can be given to “how policies might impact generations to come.” Areas of global concern have a major impact on the lives of youth, who, as the living embodiment of the “next generation”, are among those most impacted by the enduring effects of turmoil and breakdown. They are often the driving force behind innovation in emerging technology, and, as some of the most active users of technology, are often directly affected by its many consequences. There is therefore a moral obligation to draw on their potential to help understand and address contemporary challenges.

The statement also highlights the importance of analysing  “underlying moral assumptions,” including how social change takes root. For any system to be enduring, and for a “profound reordering of priorities” to be sustainable, those who will be responsible for them in the future must be involved in their construction today. When involved, youth are uniquely situated to understand the limitations of, and to devise innovative alternatives to, current institutional mechanisms, specifically because they have been detached from their creation. Youth represent the future of the world, and must be part of the basis upon which its new order is built.

To harness the promise and potential of youth to contribute to constructive global change, institutions must ensure structural arrangements allow for intentional and meaningful  involvement of young people. This is not merely a plea for a “seat at the table.” Rather, it implies two related tasks. First, institutional leaders must genuinely believe in the capacity of youth. Second, they must actively engage youth and create systems that unlock, channel, and develop their capacity. What spaces are being created for conversations about redefining systems and their underlying assumptions? What steps of action are being taken as a result? How are we learning about this process and refining our approach in light of insights gained? And how can youth catalyse the process of institutional transformation itself?

Youth will by no means act alone for the betterment of society, for a global order reflective of humanity’s shared aspirations requires the full range of human experience. But bringing about increasingly meaningful cooperation between young people and their forbearers is essential in hastening the advent of the world we all seek so urgently to build. Critically, youth can serve as the bridge between the hopes of generations before and the lived realities of generations rising now, helping to translate vision and volition into tangible collective action.

Shidan Javaheri is a student at McGill University, studying civil engineering and applied artificial intelligence. He also contributes to a set of neighborhood-based programs designed to help youth develop the tools necessary to contribute meaningfully to global change.