Why tomorrow’s leaders need a say in how decisions are made today – Erin Waldie

Young people will have to deal with the long-term impact of Covid so they need to be listened to now, writes Erin Waldie
Climate change activist Greta Thunberg’s simple act of sitting in front of the Swedish Parliament to protest against the lack of action by the Swedish Government reached millions of people (Picture: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP)Climate change activist Greta Thunberg’s simple act of sitting in front of the Swedish Parliament to protest against the lack of action by the Swedish Government reached millions of people (Picture: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP)
Climate change activist Greta Thunberg’s simple act of sitting in front of the Swedish Parliament to protest against the lack of action by the Swedish Government reached millions of people (Picture: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP)

With an ageing population being a global phenomenon, it’s more important now than ever to make sure young people are involved in decision-making. International Youth Day on 12 August celebrates the contribution of young people’s voices, actions and initiatives. This year’s theme is on “Youth Engagement for Global Action” and highlights the need for the views and ideas of young people to be mainstreamed into policy-making at local, national and international levels.

There are many examples of young people acting and being involved in decision-making. On a global level, we can look to Greta Thunberg, a Swedish activist addressing climate change and environmental issues. Her simple act of sitting in front of the Swedish Parliament to protest against the lack of action by the Swedish Government reached millions of people, sparking strikes by many children and young people for action on the climate crisis. These strikes – also known as Fridays For Future - have reached over 7,500 cities.

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As we now look to the coronavirus recovery plan at both national and international levels, it’s imperative that young people are involved. Governments should be inclusive in their plans for recovery, specifically including policies to help young people post-Covid-19. Future generations will have to bear the weight of the long-term economic impact, as well social challenges such as how education will be delivered and a downturn in overall mental health. Governments should seek to partner with youth organisations and survey young people on their ideas. Those elected to represent us need to build trust by listening to young people, and take our ideas seriously in their plans to combat the impacts of Covid-19. This will also ensure there is more diversity in voice and that the generation which will be most affected is represented in short and long term.

Girlguiding Scotland Speak Out champion, Erin Waldie, age 19.Girlguiding Scotland Speak Out champion, Erin Waldie, age 19.
Girlguiding Scotland Speak Out champion, Erin Waldie, age 19.

The United Nations’ Generation Unlimited campaign created a virtual dialogue on how young people and businesses can redefine the skills they use post-COVID-19, featuring young leaders from Algeria, Argentina, and South Africa. We’ve seen a similar initiative by the Scottish Parliament which created a new digital platform and hosted an interactive online session to let young people share their thoughts with the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on young people’s job prospects.

Girlguiding Scotland is a good example of an organisation that gives girls and young women the opportunity to use their voice and take action on issues that matter to them. In 2018 as part of the Year of Young People, they launched Speak Out, Girlguiding Scotland’s youth voice. The group is led by girls and provides a platform to use our voices and seek change at the highest levels. Joining Speak Out has given me the chance to take on some incredible opportunities, including meeting with the First Minister at Bute House to discuss women in politics and the impact of social media on girls and young women.

Young people’s worries don’t stop at the impact of Covid-19 though. Fake news, racial discrimination, inter-generational and international solidarity, are all up there in the list of worries. In particular, concerns about mental health and the environment are at the top of the list and these have been exacerbated during the coronavirus crisis. Having quality mental health services is something that is increasingly important and young people need to know where to turn. Research by Girlguiding found nearly a third of girls and young women in Scotland feel lockdown has negatively impacted their mental health – amidst high levels of worry, stress and loneliness. This mirrors wider studies, including the General Health Questionnaire which showed 37 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds surveyed experienced an increase of issues such as difficulties sleeping, feeling overwhelmed and problems with making decisions.

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I began this article with a plea to include youth voices in the coronavirus recovery plan, but governments must be reminded that young people should be involved with decision-making at all times. Every decision made now has an impact on young people’s futures and it’s vital that we – the leaders of tomorrow – have a say in how issues are handled today.

Girlguiding Scotland Speak Out champion, Erin Waldie, age 19.

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