malalai khan

The 2023 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition For Young Writers
Pakistan
June 25, 2023

Introduction

Youth is an integral force of constant change in society. In recent years, the younger generation has brought great reforms, putting stepping stones for a more sustainable and inclusive future. Hence, 2023 marked a transformative period that reshaped communities driven by the dynamic voices of the youth through consistent activism, making it a pivotal point in human history for a global social change that leads to a brighter and sustainable shared future.

The Power of Youth Engagement

The year 2023 unleashed a new source of power for youth engagement through increased access to information and technology. This brought up a catalyst for social progress and gave more rapid speed to youth-led campaigns through social media, gaining global attraction and highlighting various issues such as climate change, gender inequality, and mental health.

The Reuters Institute released its annual digital news report in 2023, in which the data showed that social media was now the preferred source of news content overall in comparison to accessing news publisher websites and direct apps. In retrospect, the younger generation was more likely to use social media as a news source (Newman et al., 2023). Thus, the widespread mobilisation fostered a new and inclusive platform for dialogue, which challenged traditional power structures and evoked a sense of collective responsibility.

Addressing Climate Change

The Year of Youth had many major impacts, but one of the biggest was the focus on combating climate change. The younger generation recognised the urgent need for action to combat environmental degradation. From mass protests to grassroots initiatives, young activists inspired a wave of climate consciousness, pushing governments and corporations to prioritise sustainability before profit.

The most significant young climate activist is Greta Thunberg, whose “Fridays For Future” protests at school sparked a rallying cry for immediate action to preserve our environment on a global scale. Her stirring speeches at the United Nations and candid dialogues with world leaders have brought many contributions to helping protect the Earth. These include countries like the United States and India beginning to incentivise clean energy transitions and companies moving beyond commitments to take action on climate as a core part of their sustainability efforts.

“I have learned you are never too small to make a difference.”
— Greta Thunberg

Tackling Animal Cruelty

Another profound impact by young activists was spreading the awareness of animal cruelty and abuse. In 2023 the global community took strides in tackling this issue and recognising the importance of safeguarding all living beings. Comprehensive legislation has been enacted in numerous countries to protect animals from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Stricter regulations have been put in place to ensure the ethical treatment of animals in various industries, including agriculture, entertainment, and research.

This was done as a result of awareness campaigns and educational programs led mostly by the youth which played a crucial role in promoting compassion and empathy towards animals, fostering a culture of respect and responsibility. Charity organisations and animal rescue services have received increased support, allowing the rehabilitation of countless animals. Adding to that, technological advancements have also innovated the methods for monitoring and reporting abuse, enabling swift intervention, justice, and action. Collective efforts by the younger generation also include the vast boycott of make-up and beauty care products that are based on research done on animals, and instead encouraging the use of vegan and animal cruelty-free products.

Prioritising Mental Health and Well-being

Recognising the pressing need to prioritise mental health, the Year of Youth prompted a paradigm shift in the way societies approach this issue. Young people courageously shared their stories, destigmatising the mental health struggles and promoting open discussions with the help of social media. This shift in public consciousness led to increased mental health support systems, improved accessibility to services, and the integration of mental health education into formal curricula.

As a result, this acted as a turning point for societies around the world, placing mental well-being at the forefront of global agendas and increasing the awareness of mental disorders like anxiety and depression, and disabilities such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Youth-led organisations emerged as powerful advocates, organising events, workshops, and peer support groups. Workplaces and educational institutions, therefore, integrated comprehensive programs into their services and curriculum which provided people with the knowledge about mental health, coping strategies, and avenues for seeking help.

Championing Social Justice

The year 2023 served as a catalyst for social justice, igniting conversations on issues such as inequality, discrimination, and human rights abuses. Youth activism and awareness campaigns flourished, leading to reforms in areas like gender equality and racial harmony, and raising the voices of marginalised communities for a fairer and more equitable society.

LGBTQ+ Rights

In 2023, youth played a pivotal role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and promoting inclusivity. Organising Pride marches and educational initiatives, they challenged societal norms and advocated for equal rights. Online platforms became powerful tools for sharing stories, experiences, and resources, cultivating a sense of community and solidarity. Young activists courageously spoke out against discrimination and worked to dismantle barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Through their communal efforts, they promoted acceptance, fought for legal protections, and supported mental well-being within the LGBTQ+ community.

Their efforts were not in vain, for many countries took steps to prevent discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in 2023. Nepal and Andorra legalised same-sex marriages. LGBT discrimination became illegal and sexual orientation was added as a protected category in the Netherlands and Moldova. The right to change legal gender became legal for transgender individuals in New Zealand, Finland, Andorra, and Hong Kong while Mexico legally recognised non-binary as a gender. Even though there were setbacks to the community in some countries like Uganda where LGBTQ+ rights were made illegal, the younger generation is responsible for a majority of the positive steps to ensure the freedom of expression of LGBTQ+ rights around the world (2023 in LGBT Rights, 2023).

Women’s Rights

The youth of 2023 actively championed gender equality and women’s rights. They challenged patriarchal structures by organising protests, engaging in advocacy work, and creating safe spaces for open talks. Social media campaigns amplified the voices of young women, shedding light on issues such as gender-based violence, wage inequality, and reproductive rights. Young activists demanded policy reforms, equal representation in entertainment, and comprehensive sex education that emphasises on consent between the partners. By promoting intersectionality and solidarity, they worked towards dismantling societal norms and empowering women of all backgrounds to pursue their dreams.

Women have been provided more places in many fields and careers, and now occupy more leadership positions in various sectors, including politics, business, and academia, contributing their perspectives and expertise to decision-making processes. The fight for equal pay gained further momentum, resulting in increased transparency and fairer compensation practices. Young women and girls are more vocal against discrimination and gender-based inequality as campaigns like the Me Too movement were consistently headed by youth to create pathways for safety, justice, and action against sexual abuse and violence more openly.

Racial Justice

The year 2023 marked a significant time as youth took a powerful stand against racism, driving progress in eradicating this deep-rooted social issue. They embraced diversity and inclusion with an unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable world. Through various avenues, young activists utilised technology and grassroots movements to foster dialogue with institutions and government, and raise awareness about racial inequalities. These demonstrations were run by unity and inclusivity, which ensured equal racial representation in entertainment, workplaces, and institutions.

Social media platforms became powerful tools for the youth to amplify their voices and expose systemic racism. The collective action generated widespread media coverage, ensuring that the world could not turn a blind eye to the persistent racial disparities that plagued society. Racist police brutality was exposed in the United States and the demand for freedom of cultural expression grew. By engaging in non-violent resistance and civic participation, the youth sent a powerful message to the world: that discrimination and prejudice have no place in our shared future.

Conclusion

The 2023 Year of Youth was a momentous period that reshaped the world’s trajectory by empowering young people to lead the charge for change. From climate activism to social justice advocacy, the Year of Youth provided a platform for youth engagement and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on society. Its impact reverberates across nations, inspiring individuals to challenge the status quo, demand accountability, and work towards a more sustainable, just, and inclusive world. As we move forward, it is essential to sustain the momentum created during the Year of Youth, ensuring that the voices of young people continue to echo.

References

Newman, N. (2023) Digital News Report 2023, Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. Available at: https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2023 (Accessed: 2023).

Anonymous (2023) 2023 in LGBT Rights, Equaldex. Available at: https://www.equaldex.com/timeline/2023 (Accessed: 2023).