Youth push for power not presence in global talks

The recent T20 two-day high-level dialogue, at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research International Convention Centre in Pretoria brought together policymakers, academics and think-tanks to discuss Africa’s role in the global order.

Among the attendees were a significant number of young people, whose presence underscored their commitment to shaping the future and addressing humanity’s pressing challenges.

However, their participation revealed a critical gap: the need for meaningful inclusion and tangible outcomes.

Youth participants voiced their frustration at being excluded from presenting their ideas and contributing directly to the dialogue’s outcomes.

While they appreciated the opportunity to observe discussions of global significance, they emphasised the importance of moving beyond tokenism.

ALSO READ: SA’s Gen Z has opened up a brave new world of style

Their call for action was clear: young people must be empowered to influence decisions and see their ideas come to life.

The dialogue, themed Strengthening African agency in the G20 within the emerging global order, aimed to align Africa’s priorities with global governance frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

Key topics included multilateralism, trade reform, digital transformation and climate change. Despite these ambitious goals, the youth highlighted the disconnect between high-level discussions and the realities they face, such as unemployment, limited access to education and economic exclusion.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his keynote address, acknowledged the potential of Africa’s youthful population to drive innovation and economic growth.

He emphasised the need for targeted strategies to harness this demographic dividend and ensure equitable access to opportunities.

ALSO READ: Louis Khoza: Turning township hustle into artistic purpose

However, the youth’s demand for immediate, tangible results remains a pressing challenge for policymakers.

To address the frustration voiced by the youth, it is imperative to establish mechanisms that bridge the gap between high-level dialogues and actionable outcomes.

This could include creating dedicated youth advisory panels within such dialogues, ensuring they are not only observers but active contributors.

Policymakers could benefit from integrating youth perspectives into policy drafts and proposals, allowing for ideas presented to gain traction and visibility within decisionmaking structures.

Moreover, investing in skills development programmes tailored to the needs of young people and aligning them with themes discussed, such as digital transformation and climate change, could further harness their potential.

ALSO READ: How mental health affects entrepreneurs

Collaborative initiatives that pair youth with experienced policymakers or industry leaders could also foster innovation while providing mentorship and real-world insights. Such steps would ensure that the journey towards meaningful inclusion is supported by tangible frameworks and long-lasting impacts.

As the world grapples with overlapping crises, including climate change and economic instability, the inclusion of young voices in decision-making processes is more critical than ever.

The T20 dialogue serves as a reminder that the future belongs to those willing to challenge the status quo and advocate for meaningful change.

The question now is whether global and African leaders will rise to the occasion and translate these discussions into actionable policies that empower the next generation.

For the youth, the journey towards meaningful inclusion has just begun and is a train that can never be stopped.

NOW READ: Stephen Msimanga: Former boxer taking the fight to another arena