Maja Bogojević: Challenging the Illusion of Participation

The Role of Adultism

Adultism, the systemic dominance of adults over young people, is a significant barrier to genuine youth participation. Decision-making processes are often designed to give the appearance of youth involvement without transferring real power. This form of oppression ensures that youth voices are heard but not heeded, maintaining adult control over significant outcomes.

Linking Participation with Education and Global Citizenship

Meaningful participation is deeply connected with education and the development of global citizenship. Without a solid educational foundation that promotes critical thinking, awareness of global issues, and active citizenship, youth cannot fully engage in participatory processes. Education equips young people with the tools they need to navigate and influence decision-making structures, while a sense of global citizenship instills the responsibility and drive to engage in these processes. Developing a global youth digital platform for policy discussion and advocacy, supported by the UN, where young people can directly contribute to international policy-making processes, would integrate elements of education, active citizenship, and intercultural dialogue, ensuring youth participation is informed, meaningful, and impactful.

Expected Outcomes from the 2024 Summit of the Future

The Summit of the Future presents an opportunity to redefine global governance by ensuring expanded and strengthened youth participation. I present three key outcomes I envision to see, illustrated through the lens of Schröder’s ladder of participation presented above.

Establishing a Global Standard for Meaningful Youth Engagement

A commitment to a global standard for meaningful youth engagement in all UN intergovernmental mechanisms and processes is crucial. This standard should include clear guidelines on youth representation, decision-making power, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that youth voices are not just heard but are integral to shaping policies. For instance, establishing Youth Advisory Councils within each UN body with voting power on issues directly affecting young people would move participation from mere consultation (rung 4) to partnership (rung 6), ensuring that youth have a tangible impact on decisions.

Creating Inclusive Decision-Making Structures

The Summit should advocate for the creation of decision-making structures that are genuinely inclusive. This involves not only including youth but also ensuring diverse representation across gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Inclusive structures must be designed to facilitate equal participation and prevent any form of discrimination or marginalization. Implementing quotas for youth representation in national delegations to the UN would elevate youth participation to the level of delegated power (rung 7), where youth have a significant influence on decisions.

Promoting Youth-Led Initiatives

Supporting youth-led initiatives at local, national, and international levels can empower young people to be agents of change. These initiatives should be backed by adequate funding, mentorship, and platforms for visibility and impact. By valuing and investing in youth-led projects, we acknowledge the innovative potential of young people in addressing global challenges. Launching a global fund for youth-led innovation in sustainable development, with competitive grants awarded to the most promising projects, would reflect the highest rung of Schröder’s ladder: citizen control (rung 8), where youth have full decision-making authority over their projects.

The Potential of the Summit of the Future 2024

The Summit of the Future holds tremendous potential to catalyze global, inclusive, and sustainable youth engagement. By setting new standards for meaningful youth participation and fostering an environment where young voices are genuinely heard and valued, the Summit can pave the way for transformative change. This gathering provides a unique platform to bridge gaps between generations, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring that youth from all walks of life can contribute to shaping policies that affect their future. The commitment to integrating youth perspectives into global decision-making processes will not only empower the next generation but also enrich international dialogue with fresh ideas and innovative solutions. By challenging adultism, championing inclusive practices and sustainable development goals, the Summit can inspire a more equitable and resilient world where young people are real active stakeholders in creating a better tomorrow.