Empowering youth — moving beyond tokenism in leadership
Efforts such as the UN Youth Delegate Program have increased youth representation in decision-making spaces, but many young leaders face “tokenism.” Their presence is often symbolic, leaving them excluded from real influence.
According to GYI data, only 35% of young people feel prepared to lead, with those with less education even less confident. Without proper support, the innovative thinking, and fresh perspectives young leaders bring are often overlooked. Presence alone isn’t enough; young leaders need the tools and resources to turn their seat at the table into meaningful contributions.
Overcoming cultural biases against youth
Ageism does not only affect older people. Biases such as ‘youngism’ portray youth as inexperienced, often diminishing their potential impact. These perceptions can silence valuable insights, even when young leaders bring fresh approaches to old challenges. Our report underscores the importance of breaking these biases by fostering cultural awareness in both youth and established leaders — by dismantling these biases, we can create environments where youth voices are truly valued.
Closing skill gaps in leadership with targeted training
Education systems often fail to prepare young people for the complexities of leadership and decision-making. For example, only 48% of youth surveyed by the GYI feel confident in their problem-solving abilities, a figure that drops to 30% among those with only compulsory education.
Skills such as problem-solving, communication, resilience, and technical proficiency are critical for success. Structured frameworks like design thinking help youth tackle complex challenges, while active listening and negotiation enhance team dynamics. Closing these gaps is not optional — it is vital for equipping young people to lead effectively.
Addressing unequal access to leadership resources
Leadership needs access to critical resources, but many young people face significant barriers to receiving social capital, financial support, and intellectual resources. About 33% of youth report having no guidance on building professional networks, and nearly half lack access to mentorship programs. Financial barriers are another challenge, particularly for underprivileged youth who cannot afford the costs associated with leadership programs.
These limitations result in a lack of diversity in youth leadership, as only the most privileged can participate consistently. To address these issues, there is a need for increased mentorship opportunities, systematic financial support, and initiatives to provide intellectual resources like leadership training.
Collaboration across generations is key for leadership innovation
Intergenerational collaboration is important in fostering effective leadership. Different generations bring complementary strengths: youth offer fresh perspectives and technological expertise, while older leaders contribute strategic insight and institutional knowledge. Together, they create a more dynamic and innovative decision-making environment.
Global examples demonstrate how intentional efforts can bridge the gap and yield significant benefits. In Japan, the Senpai-Kohai system fosters mentorship between experienced and junior leaders, while Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 prioritizes youth empowerment through skills development and mentorship. These examples demonstrate how bridging generational gaps can drive progress and innovation.
The benefits of shadow boards for youth empowerment
Shadow boards, where young employees work alongside senior leadership, are a powerful tool for empowering youth. These programs allow young leaders to contribute fresh ideas while learning from the experience of seasoned executives. Research shows that organizations using shadow boards see improved collaboration, innovation, and decision-making. Shadow boards also derisk leadership by creating structured environments for intergenerational teamwork. This approach benefits both young and established leaders by fostering mutual respect, trust, and shared understanding.
Structured systems are essential for genuine youth inclusion
Youth inclusion needs more than gestures; it requires systems that ensure participation translates into influence. Mentorship programs, shadow boards, and policies promoting diversity are essential tools for meaningful inclusion.
Initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Misk Job Shadowing program and Project 1932 illustrate how mentorship can build social capital and empower youth. By investing in such programs, leaders can transform youth participation from a quota to a genuine contribution.
Empowering the next generation of young leaders
Established leaders play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for young people. Advocacy, mentorship, and inclusive policies are essential for ensuring the leaders of tomorrow thrive. By championing young people, experienced leaders not only empower the next generation but also ensure the continuity of innovation and progress. Collaboration across generations is a win for all, combining the boldness of youth with the wisdom of experience.
