Future of You(th) event: young people and work
CNV Internationaal organised The Future of You(th) event in October. During 3 days 55 youngsters from Asia, Africa and Latin America shared experiences about the problems they face in their field of work. The ideas collected were input for the Youth at Heart Principles.
It is sometimes said that young people have no voice within the political arena. The Future of You(th) event shows that nothing could be further from the truth. Young people do have voices, however, they are not always listened to. The Future of You(th) event took place digitally on the 8th, 15th and 22nd of October. A total of 55 youngsters from Asia, Africa and Latin America were present. Together they shared experiences about the problems that young people in their region are experiencing in their field of work.
There was acknowledgement and recognition. For example, about the fact that young people are not aware of their rights and about the uncertainties of young people that prevent them from standing up for themselves. Young people's experiences with a system in which older people have more rights and give little space to young people were also discussed:
"Young people are dynamic and want to change the system. Elderly people in influential positions often do not favor change, especially if they are part of the existing system." (Estelle Houngnihin from COSI Benin)
Looking towards the future
In order to effectively tackle the problems, the participants came up with solutions and actions. Such as working with universities and trade unions, using social media to share your ideas and increase your voice, and expanding knowledge of labour law by working with trade unions and other young people. The ideas collected were reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as input for the Youth at Heart event: Youth at Heart Principles
We can do something!
Stimulating each other by thinking in terms of possibilities, that was the guiding principle. As one of the young people said at the end of the event: "We can do something!" Something has been set in motion.
Impression of The Future of You(th) event
We look back on a successful event that will certainly have a sequel! This video shows an impression and reaction of three participants:
- CNV Internationaal: Future of Youth - how to increase meaningful participation and engagement in trade union movements (5:05)
This article was published by CNV Internationaal on 2 November: We can do something!