Column authors call for giving young people real influence over decisions — The Japan Times
Using examples from Spain, Brazil and Japan, the authors of a column published by The Japan Times called for giving young people not only an advisory role but also real influence over decisions in the field of sustainable development. In their view, this requires opportunities for practical work, mentoring, resources and youth participation in decision-making.
The authors noted that younger generations are inheriting a world with interconnected environmental, economic and social challenges. The UN 2030 Agenda identifies young people as an important group of participants in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but their participation is often limited to symbolic or advisory formats. The Pact for the Future, adopted by UN member states in 2024, also recognized the need to expand meaningful youth participation, including in decision-making.
Education and practical action
As an example of education focused on practical action, the column cites the Spanish city of Getxo. There, students aged 3 to 16 participate in greening schools through the Student Council for Sustainable Development, make decisions, teach one another, and develop and implement sustainable development solutions.
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In Rio de Janeiro, young people participate in community development through local educational and cultural events. According to the authors, partnerships among local stakeholders can create conditions for sustained youth participation in educational, cultural, environmental and social initiatives.
Participation in local governance
In the Japanese city of Kitakyushu, the city’s Education for Sustainable Development Council created a youth Future Creation Committee. High school students and university students within it lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of skills development activities.
The authors emphasized that the sustainability of such initiatives requires more than individual projects or short-term funding. They consider cooperation between generations, the transfer of experience to future leaders, and the documentation and evaluation of results important for spreading successful approaches.
