Abstract
Youth participation in global governance has become increasingly important in addressing complex transnational challenges such as climate change, global security, poverty, human rights, public health, and sustainable development. Young people represent a substantial proportion of the global population, making their inclusion in international decision-making processes essential for effective and inclusive governance. This article explores the concept of youth participation within global governance frameworks, emphasizing the role of international organizations, civil society, and digital platforms in facilitating youth engagement. Drawing on development scholarship, particularly Amartya Sen’s (1999) capabilities approach, the study conceptualizes participation as both a means and an end of development. From this perspective, youth involvement enhances political capabilities while contributing to more equitable and sustainable policy outcomes. The article also examines key barriers to youth participation, including limited access to decision-making spaces, insufficient resources, and lack of institutional support, especially in developing countries. Despite these challenges, youth continue to assert their role through advocacy, innovation, and global networks. The article concludes that strengthening youth participation through education, leadership training, and institutionalized platforms is vital for achieving effective global governance and long-term democratic development.
Introduction:
Youth Participation in global governance means that the world youth is also involve to made decision making in internationally. Global governance are those type of system where different states international organizations, and civil society can join and try to find those types of conflicts whose are not limited in one state like climate change, global security, poverty, Human rights, public health and sustainable development. Since, today a large type of a population depend on youth. That’s why. It’s important for youth to participate in global governance.
Literature Reviews
Development scholars provide an additional normative justification for youth participation. Amartya Sen’s (1999) capabilities approach frames participation as both a means and an end of development applied to global governance, this perspective suggests that involving youth in decision-making expands their political capabilities while also producing more equitable and sustainable outcomes. Scholars using this framework argue that excluding youth limits not only democratic participation but also human development itself (Gaventa, 2006)
Explanation:
Youth:
In simple words, Youth are those people who belongs to between 15 to 24 years like United Nations define that “Youth are more energetic, creative and innovative part of the society.” They have new ideas related to any situation and also better understand through future challenges. That’s why, Youth not limited to follow the policies rather them also involve to make the policies.
Global Governance:
The concept of global governance agree that today’s problems have been freed from the boarders. Example: Climate change. Pandemics or terrorism type problems not control only any one state. That’s why United Nations, World Health organization , World Bank and other international bodies are created that countries can solve their problems between them through cooperation, so it’s called youth participation in global governance.
Youth role in global Governance:
Nowadays, Youth plays an important role in global governance through different methods. Many young people raise their voice through the youth program of the International Organization. The Youth delegates of United Nations represent their country youth problems and ideas in global forums. Likewise through NGOs and civil society organizations, youth try to protect human rights, peace building and environmental protection. Digital technology and social media also provide opportunity to connect in global level, where they running an awareness comparing and also influence in international policies.
Importance of Youth Participation:
The importance of youth participation increases because these people are direct to the future stakeholder. Today, those decisions who take through climate change, education or technology, their greatest influence on youth and next coming families affected. When youth is made part of decision-making than policies more realistic, inclusive and long-term are happen. Through this democracy are more strong or the system of governance more transparent. Despite this, youth face many challenges In participating in global governance. Decision making positions are often dominated by senior and experienced individuals who do not always take young people seriously. Youth generally limited financial resources and political power, which restricts their representation. In many developing countries, a lack of education and training also becomes a barrier to youth participation. Despite all these difficulties, young people are striving to create their space through hard work and awareness. To further enhance youth participation, it is essential that governments and international organizations introduce youth-friendly policies. Education and leadership training programs should be expanded so that young people can better understand global issues. Advisory roles and formal platforms should be created for youth where they can express their views. Alongside this, digital inclusion and equal opportunities must be ensured so that youth from all backgrounds can become part of global governance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it can be said that youth participation in global governance is no longer just an option but has become a necessity. If the world is to be guided toward sustainable development, peace, and justice, it is important not only to listen to young people but also to include them in decision-making processes. Without the involvement of youth, global governance remains incomplete and ineffective.