The Rise of Youth Activism: How Young People Are Shaping the Future

Elvina Zonagi - Indonesia

In recent years, youth activism has emerged as a powerful force for change, challenging societal norms and driving conversations around some of the most pressing issues of our time. From climate change protests to social justice movements, young people are proving that their voices and actions can shape the world’s future. This global phenomenon is not just inspiring change but is actively reshaping the way we tackle societal challenges, as recognized by organizations like the United Nations (United Nations).

The UN and Youth as Agents of Change

The United Nations has consistently highlighted the importance of youth in creating a better world. In its World Youth Report, the UN describes young people as “powerful agents of change,” capable of driving progress in their communities and on a global scale (United Nations). Through their activism, youth are influencing policies, challenging inequalities, and promoting sustainability.

The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development explicitly calls on young people to engage in the pursuit of its 17 SDGs, which aim to address pressing global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and education. Youth have taken this call to heart, with their activism directly contributing to these goals (United Nations).

Minds on Motion: Youth Empowerment in Action

An inspiring example of youth-led activism is Minds on Motion, a youth-organized initiative that transforms ideas into action and nurtures changemakers. Driven by a commitment to fairness, equality, and human dignity, Minds on Motion empowers young people to lead projects that create tangible social impact.

One of its flagship activities involves engaging youth in community service projects, such as orphanage visits and environmental initiatives like beach cleanups and mangrove planting. These efforts not only align with the UN’s SDGs, but also foster leadership, collaboration, and a sense of purpose among participants (Casey Foundation).

By providing a platform for young people to turn their visions into reality, Minds on Motion exemplifies how youth can drive progress and inspire positive change in their communities.

Challenges Faced by Youth Activists

Despite their passion and determination, young activists often encounter significant obstacles that hinder their ability to create meaningful change. One of the most common challenges is generational pushback. Older generations may dismiss the ideas of youth as naive or unrealistic, often undermining their efforts and credibility. This discouragement not only demotivates youth but also hinders the adoption of innovative ideas in existing systems (Shah and Khan 50).

Another significant hurdle is the presence of systemic barriers. Youth-led initiatives frequently face limited access to funding, platforms, and decision-making spaces. These restrictions stifle their ability to scale projects and expand their reach, making it difficult to sustain their efforts or amplify their impact (Rezaei and Owens). Without the necessary resources and opportunities, many young activists struggle to bring their visions to fruition.

Empowering Youth for a Better Future

To fully harness the potential of youth activism, it is essential to address these challenges and create environments where young people can thrive. Organizations like Minds on Motion provide a blueprint for success by combining mentorship, resources, and opportunities for youth to lead meaningful projects.

Governments, NGOs, and communities must collaborate to amplify youth voices, dismantle systemic barriers, and ensure that young people can access the tools they need to succeed. Mental health support, financial assistance, and platforms for dialogue are crucial in sustaining their activism (Twenge et al.).

Conclusion

Youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today. Through global frameworks like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), young people are proving their ability to turn challenges into opportunities for meaningful progress. By investing in their potential and addressing the barriers they face, we can empower this generation to build a future rooted in justice, equality, and sustainability.

Bibliography

Bessant, Judith, et al. "Young People and Environmental Activism." Journal of Youth Studies, 2022, https://www.tandfonline.com

Casey Foundation. Case Studies for Supporting Youth Leadership and Economic Opportunity. 2024, https://www.aecf.org

Earl, Jennifer, et al. "Youth Activism and Social Movements." Sociological Compass, vol. 11, no. 3, 2017

O’Brien, Karen, et al. "Exploring How Young Activists Feel About Their Identity, Agency, and Belonging." Young, vol. 30, no. 3, 2022, pp. 1-17, https://journals.sagepub.com

Rezaei, Mehrdad, and Patrick E. Owens. "Young Humans Make Change, Young Users Click: Creating Youth-Centered Networked Social Movements." arXiv preprint, arXiv:2303.07541, 2023, https://arxiv.org

Shah, Muhammad A., and Zafar Khan. "The Role of Youth Activism in Facilitating Social Change: A Catalyst for Transformation in the Contemporary Era." International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, vol. 5, no. 2, 2023, pp. 45-60, https://www.researchgate.net

Twenge, Jean M., et al. "Burnout and Mental Health in Youth Activism." Clinical Psychological Science, vol. 7, no. 6, 2019

United Nations. World Youth Report: Youth Social Entrepreneurship and the 2030 Agenda. 2020, https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth