Peter Chung
Young Voices executive director
Recently I heard someone say that youths make up 25% of today’s population and 100% of tomorrow’s future. In today’s rapidly evolving world, youths are looking for a supportive environment that nurtures their physical, emotional and intellectual growth.
Youths need access to quality education that fosters critical thinking, creativity and digital literacy to prepare them to navigate a fast-changing future that’s being invented as they move into it. A focus on practical skills, problem-solving and adaptability will enable them to thrive in diverse fields.
Opportunities: Young people need opportunities to be curious, to explore and even to fail. By investing in education, skills training and workforce development, we create opportunities to empower young people to dream big, tackle challenges and shape a brighter future for everyone.
Mental health: Youths need mental health support and tools to cope with stress, anxiety and societal pressure. Accessing mental health services and removing the stigma of seeking help are crucial for their overall development.
Activism: Youths should be encouraged to develop a strong sense of social responsibility and an understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities to promote equity and opportunity. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue and encouraging civic engagement will engage youths to participate in democracy and advocate for change.
Tools: The future of our planet and our society is in the hands of our youths. So, we have to make sure they have the tools to build that future on a solid foundation.