Our future: Youths can, should and must change the world. – Filepic
DID you know that Generation Z (Gen Z) born between 1997 and 2012 makes up approximately two billion people or 30 per cent of the world population?In time to come, these Zoomers, as they are also known, will be an influential bloc in shaping national policy across social, economic, political, environmental and diplomatic spheres.
According to a recent report by the Walton Family Foundation entitled Looking Forward with Gen Z, Zoomers have low expectations of governments and corporations.
They also tend to be more liberal in their views on issues of social justice and climate change, while prioritising justice, equality and dignity when it comes to addressing the various global challenges of today.
In Malaysia, Undi18 heralds a new horizon for our democracy. However, low youth turnout rates in recent state elections and by-elections suggest that Malaysian youths are not as politically engaged or excited as they should, or are expected to, be.
Local non-governmental organisation Malaysian Youth Diplomacy (MyDiplomacy) has ascertained that youths in the country lack avenues for discussions on and comprehension of diplomacy, foreign policy and international affairs. As a result, many of our youths are disconnected from such matters which are crucial to nation-building. Perhaps this is the reason for such apathy.
Youth platforms
Hence, more platforms like Model United Nations (MUN) where our youths can get together for open intellectual discussions in schools and higher education institutions need to be made available.MUN is close to my heart. My daughter Lydia, having launched the academic simulation of the UN with her friend Amanda at their school some 10 years ago, was actively involved in it.
I remember her being really nervous about organising and speaking at such an important gathering but they had an amazing team and even more amazing teacher-advisers to guide and encourage them.
MUN is a good platform for discussions as it covers a broad range of global issues from health and human rights to security, nuclear disarmament and planetary health.
It is a stimulating and challenging experience for young people. It takes them out of their comfort zones and teaches them negotiation skills, empathy, and how to balance competing interests.Moreover, it is meant to inspire the young to think about causes bigger than themselves, to promote social and political awareness, and to celebrate diversity – as participants are often from different cultural and social backgrounds.
The state of the world today is not great. We have climate change, growing inequality and unemployment, and geopolitical conflicts. The rising food prices are triggering a global crisis which is estimated to drive millions into extreme poverty, leading to long-lasting health impacts.
Socially, economically and politically, things must change, and we can look to our youths for this.
UN secretary-general António Guterres said he believes in “the power of young people. Peace, economic dynamism, social justice, tolerance, all these and more depend on tapping into the potential of youth”.
Malaysian spirit
In conjunction with the recent Malaysia Day, I would like to share a brief story from the younger days of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, before he became our country’s founding father and first prime minister.
During the Japanese Occupation in World War II, thousands of Malayans were taken or forcibly recruited to work with Allied prisoners of war on the Thai-Burma Railway later infamously known as the Death Railway, a train line connecting Thailand to Burma.
The working conditions were harsh and the workers faced savage treatment by the Japanese army resulting in tens of thousands dying. Some, however, managed to escape.
The escapees were said to have staggered back to Kedah, emaciated and diseased.
This was where Tunku responded. He set up the Rumah Miskin (Home for the Poor), and provided the victims with food cooked by his wife Sharifah, as well as medical care.
Despite resistance from residents of Alor Setar, Tunku convinced them that helping the escapees – who were destitute, malaria-ridden and afflicted with scabies – was the right thing to do, though he himself eventually contracted an infection. He ignored the risks and was said to have never failed to receive those escapees at his home.
It was reported in The Star in 1992 that “in later years, Tunku became sentimental whenever he remembered the Home, saying that it was the prayers of the victims that contributed largely to his becoming prime minister”.
Such is Tunku’s legacy, one of compassion which we Malaysians should emulate for the peace and prosperity of our country.In celebrating our Independence Day and Malaysia Day, let us all think about leaving a legacy for the next generations to come. After all, the future of our world is in our hands. Let us be wise in our thoughts and actions.
To our youths – no matter who you are, where you live, what you do with your time and what you will do with the rest of your lives – you can, should and must change the world.
It is now up to you. Will you take up the challenge?
Prof Dr Elizabeth Lee is the chief executive officer of Sunway Education Group. A veteran in the field of private higher education, Prof Lee is also an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognised both locally and internationally for her contributions to the field of education.
The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
