Vision of the Project

The Vision of the Project

Our world is currently facing major challenges, ranging from increasing inequality, which leaves large parts of society without access to basic needs; high-tech-driven wars and security threats; a food system in crisis with the carrying capacity of our planet reaching its tipping point. The Millennium Development Goals have reached their end date, and a new global framework is currently being negotiated among world leaders.

The key question, however, is how democratic and participatory are these processes when youth are practically excluded from most decision making?

Young people between 15 and 25 years old represent a fifth of the world’s population, yet they remain largely absent from or underrepresented in political decision-making processes. Today’s young people are the owners of the future and will be the leaders of tomorrow.

It is therefore imperative that the develop a feeling of ownership through meaningful participation in democratic processes. Achieving meaningful participation of young people in democratic governance and decision-making processes is hence the key challenge addressed by this project.