The resonating effect of young people poised to make a difference

Brainstorming for change

As I stepped off the plane, I knew how lucky I was to be beginning this wonderful experience. Even after the long flight and with less than six hours of sleep, I knew I had been given the chance of a lifetime: to sit on a youth panel at the World Economic Forum.

My road to the forum began at a conference in London, England, called The Road to Davos, where 60 young people ages 16 to 19 gathered. Representing 43 countries from around the world, each and every one of us was proof that young people can and do make a difference. Issues we discussed varied from arranged marriages in Nepal, the problems with the educational system in Brazil, the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo and the foreign policy of the United States, to broader issues of climate change, equality and women’s rights. But binding us all was our passion for activism and affecting positive change.

Six of the 60 youth participants were then selected to go on to Davos, Switzerland, to sit on the first ever youth panel at the World Economic Forum and I was fortunate enough to be chosen. Gathered at the forum were influential leaders, political figures and business people, including President Musharraf of Pakistan, the United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Al Gore, Bill Gates, Bono and many more.

My peers and I were initially terrified – we were in the presence of some of the most powerful people in the world. But we soon realized that our voices—the voices of youth activism throughout the globe—were just as powerful. We had an important message and we wanted to be heard, because the decisions made by world leaders today affect our futures, and the futures of young people everywhere.  

Participants strike a pose with actress and activist, Emma Thompson

We discussed the prevalent stereotype of youth as apathetic citizens, shown especially in today’s media. We shared our passions, dreams and ideas on how to participate in global citizenship. We talked about the issues that were most important to us and the issues that deserved immediate attention. We were able to show the most powerful people in the world that the youth of today were actively affecting positive global change.   

As you work toward your Adopt a Village campaign goals, remember that you are not alone in your journey to create a “We” world. There are young people scattered throughout the world working with you to make our global community a better place. You are all a testament to the fact that young people are not just idealists, but we are idealists with a plan and the determination to make it happen.

Whitney Burton
Regional Network Coordinator

Helpful Hints from Helpful Links

Be an idealist with a plan – start a Youth In Action Group
Get inspired – read blogs from the 60 youth participants

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.