Eighty years ago, the world came together under one promise; to build peace, promote justice, and secure prosperity for all. That promise birthed the United Nations. And as we mark eight decades of multilateralism, one truth rings clear: the future of this promise lies in the hands of young people.
Today, youth make up nearly 1.8 billion of the world’s population, that’s the largest generation in history. In Africa, over 60% of the population is under 25, and in Nigeria, more than 70% are under 35. That means the future isn’t tomorrow, it’s already here; alive in classrooms, communities, and campuses across the country. Yet, young people are often excluded from the decisions shaping their future.
Many national policies are still drafted about youth, not with them. Representation in parliaments remains low; globally, less than 2.6% of legislators are under 30 (IPU, 2024). In Nigeria, for instance, despite being the most youthful country in Africa, young people occupy less than 5% of leadership and policymaking roles. This gap is not just a democratic one, it’s a developmental drag. Policies built without youth input often miss the nuances of education reform, green transition, digital inclusion, and employability; the very pillars that define the 21st-century economy.
In No Excuses, Brian Tracy wrote that any organization, or nation, risks stagnation when leaders fail to rise above their level of competence to solve new and emerging problems. And many of today’s challenges, from climate change to poor healthcare, digital inequality and unemployment, demand new energy, fresh ideas, and youthful innovation.
So, what do we do?
First, governments must institutionalize youth inclusion, not as a token gesture, but as a structural commitment. Policies should create youth advisory councils, ensure 30% youth representation in decision spaces, and open up innovation funds for youth-led solutions.
Leaders must also become mentors; building bridges that guide young people into purpose, not walls that shut them out.
And for young people, it’s not enough to demand a seat at the table; we must bring value to the table. From civic participation to green innovation, social enterprise to policy advocacy, our generation must rise skillfully, boldly, and collaboratively. Civil societies and networks like NGYouthSDGs are leading this charge; empowering young people with mentorship, resources, and platforms to thrive locally and lead globally.
As we celebrate 80 years of the UN, let’s reimagine the next 80; where youth don’t just inherit the world but influence, innovate, and inspire it. Because a sustainable future will not just be built for youth, it must be built with youth.
Written by Precious Akintunde
Associate, Youth Activators Lab, 2025 Cohort
