Young voices changing politics
With many countries, Ireland included, having gone to the polls in 2024, political engagement has never been more important, especially amongst the youth of the world.
This was the focus of a recent event at the Embassy of Ireland in Copenhagen, where young leaders were invited to speak on the ways young people can engage with politics, the challenges they face and how best they can impact the decision-making process in their capacity as multilateralists, activists and as engaged citizens.
These young people, who came from Ireland, Denmark and Ukraine, spoke about the issues that concern them most, including climate change, diversity and inclusion, and the war in Ukraine.
They also provided insight into the barriers that can prevent young people from engaging with politics, and shared some helpful recommendations for young people to become politically active.
Meet the youth activists
Hear from the four panelists on their priorities in politics and how they believe more young people can get involved in making change.
Amanda Adé
Creative director, writer and activist Amanda Adé is focussed on diversity, inclusion and intersectionality within the political sphere.
She says: ”I want people who are from diverse backgrounds to actually feel like they can participate in a meaningful way and for the different factors that affect people’s capacity to engage with politics to be taken into account, so that that the playing field is as level as possible”.
Adé feels there is a perception that young people are more susceptible to misinformation but she feels the opposite is true. She believes we need to recognise there are many different ways to engage with politics. With social media, there are avenues where you can learn, ask questions and engage with other young people across the world who share your interests.
At a local level, Adé suggests trying to connect with people in your area and to talk to local politicians but ultimately says that “if people aren’t going to give you a seat at the table, then make your own table”.
Jennifer Salmon
Jennifer Salmon was Ireland’s Climate Youth Delegate 2023/2024 for COP28.
She wants young people, politicians and the wider public to acknowledge climate change is happening and everyone needs to be thinking about taking action.
Salmon also believes in the importance of women getting involved in politics, including in Ireland, because when it comes to climate change, “without intersectionality and without everyone’s voices being represented, we really can’t have a good outcome”.
Salmon says there are so many issues affecting young people that it can be a struggle to get behind them all at once, but she hopes that young people feel empowered to contribute to the conversation on climate change. To get more involved in politics, Salmon recommends reaching out to people you admire in the political sphere, to hear how they got to where they are.
Snizhana Bykanova
Snizhana Bykanova is a Ukrainian youth activist living in Denmark, where she works to raise awareness of the situation in Ukraine, including the illegal abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia.
Bykanova is also passionate about ensuring education for all Ukrainians whether they live at home and abroad. She says that young people lack understanding of how the political system in Ukraine works, and that this is an issue.
She recommends getting involved with a volunteer organisation in your region, developing your ideas, and posting about them on social media. Bykanova says that confidence is important and that sometimes you might have to be “a little bit annoying” to get the outcome that you want.
Cecilia Zade Iseni
Former UN Youth Delegate of Denmark Cecilia Zade Iseni, works to build bridges between young people and the private sector on climate-related issues as part of a Danish-based organisation called GAIA.
Cecilia wants more young people to be involved in the climate change movement. However, she feels they are rarely invited into the rooms where big decisions are taken: ”We are often invited to panel discussions but when it comes to negotiations where the political impact can be felt, we are rarely invited inside.”
Cecilia is very impressed by the work of Irish UN Youth Delegates and their dedication and commitment to climate action.
She describes feeling afraid when she started to engage politically because she didn’t feel like she knew enough to make her voice heard. She quickly learned that if you have views, no matter what your background is, your views are important, “so go and make your voice heard.”