In the European Union countries are working out how to cope with an ageing population. In parts of Africa, the opposite is happening – there are growing numbers of young people.
Within the context of these two continents, Chatham House’s Common Futures Conversations project takes place. This platform has allowed people who are 30 or under from Africa and Europe to discuss policy challenges and then craft solutions together.
What has emerged is that when it comes to actual decision-making, rather than input or consultation, young people feel politically excluded.
As one participant, Davide, said: ‘Currently, the involvement of youth in politics almost always remains informal, which means that any change driven by youth is often done out of the political channels.’
Common Futures Conversations: Not just a voice, an input
Leah de Haan on the need to give young people a role in the formation of policy
