Shaping a future they want, not one imposed on them

As the world faces increasing complexity and interconnected challenges—from climate change to rising inequality—it has become clear that the systems of the past cannot adequately address the needs of the present or the future. The way forward requires a reimagined approach to governance, sustainability, and development, one that includes the voices of younger generations who are at the forefront of these global crises. Youth movements across the globe, such as the one in Bangladesh in July 2024, illustrate a powerful shift: young people are demanding a say in shaping societies that reflect their values and aspirations, not the outdated ideals imposed on them by previous generations.

The End of Old Models: Why We Need New Governance Approaches
The traditional models of governance, which emphasize top-down, centralized decision-making, are no longer sufficient for dealing with the unprecedented global crises we face today. Climate change, technological disruptions, and social inequality are not isolated issues—they are deeply interconnected and require holistic, inclusive, and innovative solutions.

A new global pact, driven by the idea of building a more sustainable and just world, aims to create governance frameworks that are agile, responsive, and inclusive of the voices of younger generations. Such a shift is critical, as older governance models often focus on short-term stability without considering the long-term consequences for future generations. The new vision must be one where sustainability, equity, and inclusivity drive decision-making processes at every level.

Youth Movements as Catalysts for Change
Youth are no longer waiting on the sidelines. Movements around the world, such as the July 2024 youth-led revolution in Bangladesh, demonstrate that young people are stepping up to demand systems that reflect their realities. In Bangladesh, the youth focused on critical issues such as access to quality education, equal employment opportunities, local governance, and climate justice, particularly in secondary cities where economic and social inequalities are most pronounced.

These movements are an embodiment of youth demands for justice, sustainability, and equitable opportunities. More importantly, they challenge the narrative that governance should be shaped by outdated ideals. Instead, young people are pushing for policies that are informed by the present and future realities they face.

Localizing SDGs: Bringing Global Goals to Local Contexts
A central component of this new global vision is the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the SDGs are designed as global targets, their success hinges on adapting and implementing them at the local level. Youth movements are increasingly driving this localization, especially around SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

For example, in Bangladesh, young people have rallied around the need for educational reforms that prepare them for both employability and active civic participation. This aligns with SDG 4, which emphasizes the importance of inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. However, UNICEF’s Education Report 2023 revealed that only 39% of youth in secondary cities felt their education adequately prepared them for future job markets. This gap highlights the need for localized reforms that prioritize both employable skills and critical thinking for active citizenship.

In addition, SDG 11 speaks to the challenges of urbanization and the need for inclusive, sustainable urban development. Youth in secondary cities are calling for more inclusive planning that addresses the needs of all residents, especially in areas vulnerable to climate change and social inequalities.

Health, Gender, and Well-being: Critical Dimensions of the Future
The role of youth in advocating for health and gender equality is also critical in shaping the future they want. SDG 3 and SDG 5 are integral to creating inclusive societies where all individuals, regardless of their background, can thrive. Youth-led movements are increasingly advocating for better access to healthcare, mental health services, and gender equality—issues that directly impact their well-being and future prospects.

In Bangladesh, youth movements have highlighted the lack of accessible healthcare and mental health services in secondary cities. According to the Bangladesh Health Watch Report 2022, over 45% of young people in these areas have limited access to essential health services. This reflects a broader global trend where healthcare systems are not sufficiently meeting the needs of the younger generation, particularly in underserved areas.

On the gender front, young people, particularly young women, have been at the forefront of pushing for policies that promote gender equality. SDG 5 targets the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls, and youth activists in Bangladesh have called for an end to gender-based violence, as well as for equal access to education and healthcare. The UN Women Gender Equality Report 2022 notes that countries with higher rates of youth participation in governance and policy-making have seen a 30% increase in achieving gender equality goals. This demonstrates the power of youth involvement in advancing not only gender justice but also overall societal well-being.

Youth in Peacebuilding and Governance
Young people are also central to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which underscores the need for inclusive governance and strong institutions to build peaceful societies. Youth participation in local governance, such as the development of Urban Youth Councils in Bangladesh, serves as a model for how young people can engage in decision-making processes that affect their communities. These councils give youth a voice in areas like education, employment, and urban planning, empowering them to contribute to building just and inclusive societies.

Data from the UN Progress Report on Youth, Peace, and Security (2023) indicates that countries with higher levels of youth engagement in governance experience fewer incidences of civil unrest and greater social cohesion. This underscores the importance of creating platforms where young people can participate meaningfully in governance, helping to shape peaceful and just societies.

Bridging Generational Gaps and Embracing Innovation
A key challenge for the new global pact is bridging the gap between generations. While older generations have long dominated global governance, younger generations are pushing for new models that prioritize innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Traditional approaches often fail to address the rapidly changing realities of the world, particularly in areas like climate action, technology, and social equity.

The new global framework must therefore embrace innovation and youth-driven solutions, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Young people are increasingly calling for the integration of digital technologies and sustainable practices in development strategies. This is evident in the youth movements advocating for green jobs and climate-smart technologies as part of future urban planning.

A Global Pact for Future Generations
Just as the recent Summit of the Future at the UN adopted a new global Pact for the Future that is fundamentally about securing a better world for future generations. It is not simply about addressing today’s challenges but about creating systems that ensure young people have the opportunity to shape a future that reflects their aspirations. This pact commits to prioritizing sustainable development, peace, and justice while placing youth at the center of decision-making processes.

According to UN DESA’s 2023 Report, countries that invest in youth participation are more likely to achieve long-term sustainable development outcomes. This is particularly true for health, education, and gender equality, where youth involvement has been shown to drive progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

A Future Defined by Youth
The new global pact offers an opportunity to rethink how we approach governance, development, and sustainability. It emphasizes the need for inclusivity, innovation, and youth-driven solutions. The youth movements we see today—from Bangladesh to other parts of the world—are clear signals that young people are ready to take on the responsibility of shaping the future.

By listening to and empowering younger generations, we can create societies that are not only more equitable and sustainable but also more reflective of the values and aspirations of those who will inherit the world. This is the future young people want, and it is up to us to ensure that it is the future they get.