On 9 January, the United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth’s ‘Be Seen Be Heard’ campaign is marking ‘No Say Day’ – a day to spotlight the fact that the perspectives of young people are not well represented in political governance. 50% of the world’s population is under 30 years of age, however, a mere 2.6% of parliamentarians globally is under 30. ‘Be Seen Be Heard’ calculates that the views of young people, if presented in a year based on the number of parliamentarians under the age of 30, would see no representation after just 9 days a year.
The UN campaign seeks to change that by bringing the voices of children and youth into the halls of power across the world and creating lasting structural changes that ensure the inclusion of young people in decision-making. It is working in 75 countries across six continents, advocating for policy and legislative change on the issues most important to young people, removing barriers to youth representation, and developing capacity and leadership skills.
Ready to make their voices heard
The 2022 launch of the UN’s campaign was complemented by the release of the ‘Be Seen Be Heard: Understanding young people’s political participation’ report which captures society’s and children and youth’s view on participation in public life, the structural barriers preventing them from doing so and recommendations to address this.
This research, which included over 27,000 participants from across countries and ages, found that 82% people around the world think the political system needs drastic reform and nearly 70% feel that young people should have more say. People across all age groups agreed that more opportunities for younger people to participate in policy development and drive change would make political systems stronger and more equipped for the future.
Core voices of the End Violence Partnership
End Violence’s work is guided by our core value of being child-centred. The Partnership creates space for children and young people to participate in policy influence and high level decision-making. Children are part of the governance of the Partnership through a Children and Youth Advisory Group, providing important space for intergenerational dialogue in our coalition of 750+ partner organisations and governments around the world.
In June 2022, children from around the world spoke truth to power alongside heads of state, UN leadership, royalty and survivors of violence at the Together to #ENDviolence Leaders’ Event as part of one of the most diverse and influential groups of people to ever come together on the issue of ending violence against children. End Violence launched a Children’s Manifesto, which articulates Children’s calls to action to global leaders and decision-makers, has also engaged children directly in policy research and planning through the Young People Advisors programme. Learn more about how End Violence is amplifying the voices of young people.
Explore the UN’s Be Seen Be Heard campaign.
Image: © UNICEF/UN0364425/Aliaga Ticona