Supporting capacity-building for youth participation in decision-making Source: Anu Pekkonen, CIVICUS Participatory Governance Programme Coordinator It is vital that opportunities are created to foster greater youth participation in political processes. Young people in the global North and South alike express a sense of alienation from the political system, manifested in low voter turnouts among youth and ageing membership of political parties. Whilst this is often interpreted as political apathy in younger generations, evidence shows that it is the lack of confidence in the efficiency of their participation and in their ability to influence political decisions-making that constitutes a more fundamental reason for the disengagement. Frequently having their views and concerns overlooked or undermined by the adult world, while being denied any meaningful decision-making roles, has forced young people into the periphery of democratic process. As a result, their potential to contribute in their local communities and society at large goes largely untapped. For more information, click here. |