Are young people shaping the future of politics?

By Calvin Obat

In the past, political participation was mainly seen as a domain for prolonged experts, with experience and age dictating influence.

However, as the world faces unprecedented challenges—from climate change and social justice issues to economic inequality and political unrest—young people, mainly the youths aged 20 and above are stepping up to challenge the status quo.

With fresh perspectives, brilliant ideas, and a push for change, this new generation of political leaders is not just participating; they are transforming the political landscape.

Almost all over the globe, young people are increasingly becoming the driving force behind political movements and campaigns. From school strikes for climate action to national politics. The energy, passion, and determination of these young political figures signal a new era in decision-making and governance.

Young people are not just showing up at the ballot box—they are organizing protests, advocating for policy change, and even running for office themselves. The power of social media has played a huge role in this shift, allowing young activists to mobilize fast and amplify their voices globally.

Movements like "Black Lives Matter" and the "March for Our Lives," spearheaded by young people, have garnered widespread support and drawn attention to issues that were once overlooked. Take the case of Kenya where young people took to the streets carrying placards and banners against the 2024 Finance Bill.

This generation’s political agenda is deeply rooted in issues like climate change, economic inequality, social justice, and access to education. The traditional political issues of the past—such as party loyalty and policy platforms that were largely focused on maintaining the status quo—are now being overshadowed by concerns that have immediate and long-term consequences on the young people.

Climate change, in particular, has emerged as one of the most pressing issues for youth voters. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, over 70% of young people across the globe believe that addressing climate change should be a top priority for world leaders.

Young politicians, in turn, are pushing for bold policies like the Green New Deal and stronger environmental regulations, demanding that action be taken before it’s too late. Despite the rising influence of youth in politics, young people still face significant obstacles.

The most common challenge? Ageism. Many young politicians and activists are often dismissed as inexperienced or naive. Older generations of politicians may question their ability to lead, while traditional media sometimes underestimates the impact of youth-led movements. But young politicians are resilient.

They have learned how to use these criticisms as fuel for their activism and policy advocacy. With their ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments, they continue to break barriers and prove that their age does not limit their ability to lead.

The future of politics is undoubtedly in the hands of the younger generation. As they continue to rise to power, they are bringing fresh perspectives, innovation, and urgency to the political process.

They are not waiting for change to happen—they are making it happen. As young people continue to lead the charge for change, it’s clear that they are reshaping not just political parties but the very way politics is approached.

The old guard may have held power for years, but the new wave of young political leaders is proving that age is just a number—and that the future of politics is youthful, dynamic, and full of promise.