Globally, 15- to 24-year-olds make up a fifth of the population. However, in one out of every three countries around the world, you must be aged at least 25 to run for national parliament. In fact, the average age of members of parliament worldwide is much higher than that, at 53—and only 1.6% are in their 20s.
With these kinds of statistics, it’s not surprising that youth engagement and participation in politics are relatively low. At a European level, only 46% of eligible young people voted in their last elections. What’s perhaps even more concerning is that only 41% believe voting to be effective. This may mean a shortage of future political leaders, as many young people are convinced that they don’t have a voice.
Why young people should be involved in politics
That said, the proportion of young people voting has been steadily increasing. In 2014, only 28% of 16- to 24-year-olds voted in the European Parliamentary elections. By 2019, that number had jumped to 42%, showing clear interest among young people in shaping the future.
Barriers like a lack of time and limited opportunities for political participation continue to hold back the tide. The first step to bridging this gap requires creating more platforms for meaningful engagement. From supporting young candidates to championing initiatives that connect youth to the political process.
As young people become louder advocates for crucial issues like climate change, inequality and disinformation, their voices bring new perspectives and urgency to policymaking. Investing in youth participation revitalizes democratic institutions. It also ensures that policies reflect the diverse needs of all members of society. It’s truly the way to engage future political leaders.
Applying her learning and expanding her profile
Constanza Inés Montero is a fifth-year Dual Degree in Business Administration & International Relations student, who recently got to see the importance of youth participation in politics for herself. Constanza was selected to represent IE University at the EU for Global 1st Transnational Citizens’ Panel in Bucharest, Romania.
Since it’s her final year in the program, this passionate student is laser-focused on the next step of her professional journey. Constanza says she was “terribly excited” to find out she was going to the Bucharest conference. With the European Union being her primary area of interest, she’d been on the lookout for any chance to gain firsthand experience and had already applied to several EU-related events. The conference in Romania was the perfect opportunity.
For Constanza, it would be a great way to boost both her academic and professional profile. On the one hand, she would see the application of political concepts she’s learned so much about as an international relations student. On the other, she’d connect with like-minded young adults from all over the EU, giving her a surefire way to expand her network.
Building fresh perspectives
Constanza’s time at the three-day conference turned out to be an enriching experience that allowed her to put theory into practice. For example, the negotiation class she had taken enabled her to “interact in a more conscious way” and communicate her ideas “in an organized manner to create value for both parties.” And, after the conference, she brought back fresh new perspectives that will inspire rich discussions with her peers and professors.
“Challenging my own biases during events like this one has been fundamental to my learning experience.”
Constanza has some wise words for fellow students considering applying for similar events. First, she says, “True engagement out of passion never goes unnoticed in the long run.” If you truly believe in something and pursue your passion, doors will open up in various career paths. Secondly, she trusts in the power of collaboration over competition. Differences of opinion don’t have to cause conflict if you trust that the other person also wants the best outcome. “Challenging my own biases during events like this has been fundamental to my learning experience,” she reports.
Engaging future political leaders
Constanza’s experience in Bucharest is a clear example of the role these high-level regional forums play in giving young people a voice. By connecting them to top decision-makers, these events offer the youth space to bring new perspectives to politics and policymaking.
Cultivating young interest in politics will inspire a new generation of informed, effective future political leaders. Leaders who possess the know-how to ensure that policies reflect their needs. In turn, this approach will lead to more inclusive democracies that society can benefit from as a whole.
Gain a truly international perspective and access career-boosting events to grow your profile as future political leaders here.