As an organization made by YOUth, for YOUth, AIESEC believes the contribution of youth to their communities and nations is not being entirely understood or recognized.

Young people are making a difference nowadays more than we know; as activists, as leaders in community development organizations, and by their record levels of volunteerism in many parts of the world.

When you include youth participation in any topic, new choices are brought to the table. It’s an enjoyable and challenging experience and new issues that are only perceived as relevant by young people are brought to the table.

Youth Participation is not always easy
Maybe, because of this, not everyone is a fan of youth participation and many young leaders nowadays find it difficult to contribute to their communities’ development. Often due to lack of resources, access to knowledge and information, guidance, understanding, support, and recognition of government leaders, and other decision-makers, young people feel as if they’re on an isolated journey that doesn’t let them reach their full potential.

However, young people continue to be engaged, using their student-based organizations (like AIESEC and many others) and striving to increase collaboration with like-minded organizations to promote sustainable development proving the importance of youth-led efforts to tackle today’s problems.

But there are people out there who support young leaders
Despite all, a few of today’s decision-makers are investing in youth because they are convinced that it will provide the longest and most effective dividend towards meeting the goals set to reach by 2030. We see this clearly in Development2030 by having AIESEC as a Youth Partner.

Most importantly, they are convinced that it will ensure that young people are given ongoing support in their role, providing them with a sense of belonging and ownership in relation to decision-making and making them feel that their participation is valued.

Reality is…
If we want our nations and communities to grow and prosper, then we all will have to bet on youth and their contribution.

Because they are in a position to be among the stable and long-term contributors that help guide growth for their communities. Youth represent a vast and often untapped resource for immediate and long-term community development efforts.

So if ever, now is the time to engage youth actively.