Skip to main content

Youth

While young people play central and catalyzing roles in movements for democracy around the world, they are less engaged than older generations in voting and party activism. As of 2016 people between the ages of 20 and 44 make up 57% of the world’s voting age population but only 26% of the world’s Members of Parliament (MPs). Young people under 30 only represent 1.9% of the world’s MP’s and more than 80% of the world’s upper houses of Parliament have no MPs aged under 30. While male MPs outnumber female MPs in every age category, gender imbalance is less pronounced among younger MPs around the world. This suggests that young men and women may be more likely to make way for new faces and voices to be represented in decision-making (Inter-parliamentary Union Youth Participation in National Parliaments, 2016). Strategies that may promote the engagement of youth in political processes include: youth quotas; legal reforms to align the voting age with the minimum age for elected officials; proportional representation electoral systems; inclusive parliaments and local governance; removal of barriers for youth electoral participation; outreach and recruitment of students by political parties; and targeted outreach to youth political candidates.

Show on Home Page
Yes
Image
Icon
Banner Image

The Youth Participation Handbook

Back
April 12, 2023

The Youth Participation Handbook

With half of the world’s population under 30, the continued survival of democracy globally is overwhelmingly dependent on youth support.

With half of the world’s population under 30, the continued survival of democracy globally is overwhelmingly dependent on youth support.

From Queen Elizabeth to Sanna Marin, young women in politics have always faced prejudice

Back
January 9, 2023

From Queen Elizabeth to Sanna Marin, young women in politics have always faced prejudice

Two prime ministers meeting to discuss relations between their countries is standard practice in international politics.

Two prime ministers meeting to discuss relations between their countries is standard practice in international politics.

Promoting the role of youth in political and democratic spaces

Back
December 9, 2022

Promoting the role of youth in political and democratic spaces

The first Summit for Democracy, held in December 2021, brought together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector to set out an affirmative agenda for democratic renewal.

The first Summit for Democracy, held in December 2021, brought together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector to set out an affirmative agenda for democratic renewal.

World News

Promoting the role of youth in political and democratic spaces

Submitted by Editor on
Back

Promoting the role of youth in political and democratic spaces

Source:

International IDEA, in collaboration with the European Commission (EC) and the Youth Political and Civic Engagement Cohort of the Summit for Democracy (S4D), held on 15 November 2022, an online peer-to-peer dialogue, Promoting the role of youth in political and democratic spaces. The event explored commitments on youth presented by governments at the S4D, drawing lessons learnt and identifying opportunities for further engagement for the Year of Action.

International IDEA, in collaboration with the European Commission (EC) and the Youth Political and Civic Engagement Cohort of the Summit for Democracy (S4D), held on 15 November 2022, an online peer-to-peer dialogue, Promoting the role of youth in political and democratic spaces. The event explored commitments on youth presented by governments at the S4D, drawing lessons learnt and identifying opportunities for further engagement for the Year of Action.

Widening the lens: Reimagining leadership among young women of color

Back
November 3, 2022

Widening the lens: Reimagining leadership among young women of color

There are many ways to step into political leadership in America, and how you go about it is often informed by your background, identity, and experiences.

There are many ways to step into political leadership in America, and how you go about it is often informed by your background, identity, and experiences.

Equal power now: Girls, young women and political participation

Back
October 12, 2022

Equal power now: Girls, young women and political participation

This year’s State of the World’s Girls report is focused on girls’ and young women’s political participation.

This year’s State of the World’s Girls report is focused on girls’ and young women’s political participation.

In Peru, technology brings young people into politics

Back
September 26, 2022

In Peru, technology brings young people into politics

In Peru, about 68 percent of young people have expressed an interest in politics, and about a third have volunteered, donated and advocated on behalf of initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Peru, about 68 percent of young people have expressed an interest in politics, and about a third have volunteered, donated and advocated on behalf of initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finland’s PM is a young woman in power. Her partying is the total opposite of disgrace

Back
September 22, 2022

Finland’s PM is a young woman in power. Her partying is the total opposite of disgrace

Sanna Marin is a symbol of feminist achievement that closet cultural-Putinists are fighting to contain

Sanna Marin is a symbol of feminist achievement that closet cultural-Putinists are fighting to contain