French Youth on the Front Line

They have grown up amid an accumulation of crises they did not choose. One third suffer from mental health issues. 78% believe that politics does not listen to them. These diverse, exposed, and vulnerable youth are the ones managing multiple crises. Yet they continue to cooperate, engage, and hope. The real question is: what place are we truly giving them?

Young people are calling for a systemic approach to break down silos at every level in order to address multiple and persistent crises. Desirable futures will depend on dialogue in order to avoid the polarization sought by some. We must strengthen the energy of social bonds through greater cooperation and concrete action on the ground, always grounded in respect for human rights, trust, optimism, and joy.

For a generation that will be required to manage multiple and complex crises, how can young people be included and empowered as decision-makers within economic and political institutions starting now? How can they be prepared to tackle the challenges they will inherit? What concrete solutions could lead to greater cooperation at every level of society?