For over 2,400 years, youth have been blamed for societal issues. Today, the myth of youth disenchantment with politics prevails, despite their active engagement through various means such as demonstrations, protests, and social media. However, their voices are often overlooked in decision-making processes dominated by older politicians and voters.
To address this lack of representation, it is essential to promote meaningful youth participation in politics. This can be achieved by lowering the voting age, supporting young candidates, and providing youth organizations with a platform in legislative discussions. Recognizing young people as experts on their own issues is crucial in fostering a balanced political system that values the perspectives of all generations.
If political leaders continue to disregard the concerns of the youth, they risk undermining the strength of democracy and driving young individuals towards extreme ideologies. Embracing inclusive practices and creating space for youth involvement is vital in safeguarding the future of democracy.
Nicole Kleeb from Bertelsmann Stiftung will be discussing these topics at the upcoming Athens Democracy Forum from October 1-3.
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