The “Be Seen and Heard” campaign launches this Wednesday, a collaboration between UN Special Envoy for Youth Jayathma Wickramanayake and cosmetics brand The Body Shop.

According to the United Nations, it is necessary to increase the participation in public life of people under 30, especially in an era facing several challenges: climate crisis, conflicts and inequalities.

Low representation

Young people make up almost half of the world’s population, but only 2.6% of the world’s parliamentarians are under 30. In reality, the average age of a manager is: 62 years old.

By amplifying young people’s voices in the public sphere, the campaign seeks to create structural changes in decision-making processes so that they are more inclusive.

Alongside this initiative, the report “See and be heard: Understanding young people’s political participation” was launched, based on a survey carried out by The Body Shop last year among more than 27,000 young people from 26 countries .

Electoral majority

Jayathma Wrickmanayake, Special Envoy for Youth

The survey shows that 82% of respondents agree that political systems need drastic reforms. Additionally, 84% believe politicians are motivated by self-interest and 75% believe politicians are corrupt.

Another fact from the document: three-quarters of those under 30 believe that politicians and business leaders have “messed things up” for people and the planet.

The majority also agree that the ideal age to start voting is between 16 and 18 years old, while in most countries it is only possible to vote after 18 years old.

Changes with long-term consequences

The strength of youth is the key to actions in favor of human rights

Survey participants also argue that there should be more opportunities for young people to have a voice in political development or that a change in the political system would be beneficial.

The UN Youth Envoy said “gaps in influence and trust are among today’s biggest challenges.” Jayathma Wickramanayake believes the campaign is an opportunity to change the situation, with policies that reflect the priorities of young people and that “speak their language”.

The report shows that the participation of young people in public decisions could, in the long term, help to lower the age at which voting is allowed, increase the number of young people in councils, parliaments and commissions and improve the skills of leadership within the group.

The campaign is starting to be advertised in 2,600 The Body Shop stores in 75 countries and more details are available on the website. www.beseenbeheardcampaign.com;