Meaningful youth participation

Young people must be included in creating policies, programs, and systems that work for them. Today, more than half of the world’s population is under the age of 30, with 90% of them living in low- and middle-income countries. Despite these high numbers, they are worryingly the most underrepresented group in politics, policymaking, and civil society.

Young people understand their own needs and bring a unique perspective to discussions that would otherwise be missing. If we give them the right space to meaningfully engage, we can strengthen their position as the drivers of social, economic, and political change in the 21st century.

Our focus

Fondation Botnar enables opportunities and platforms for young people to share power and responsibility in shaping their health and wellbeing. We include young people in planning, design, and implementation of global and local programs and policies.

Participation in local / global decision making

We have the largest generation of young people in history, but their priorities and needs are not reflected in government policies. We are committed to supporting meaningful youth participation through sharing decision- making power at the highest levels. We believe youth participation is more than representation in the policymaking process, as it requires the
total trust and respect of young people as equal partners and valuable contributors.

Youth centred design and implementation

When half the population is excluded from decision making, our policies and programs fall short of lived experience and authenticity. We strive to engage young people, as both deserving contributors and leaders in the design and implementation phases. We believe in a collaborative relationship that involves diverse voices at every stage.

System enablers

We are living in an age of unprecedented technological disruption. As digital natives and experts over their own needs and wants, young people are the best positioned to leverage these advancements and accelerate change. We support and catalyse initiatives that provide opportunities for the next generation to strengthen skills and build capabilities. Only with their contribution can we build healthy, liveable, and sustainable societies.