Give youth a real stake in governance: Speakers at Bharat Summit | Hyderabad News
Hyderabad: Young people must move beyond being mere foot soldiers of political parties and secure a meaningful role in decision-making, governance and policy formulation, speakers said at a session on ‘Youth & Politics of Tomorrow’ at the Bharat Summit.Referring to recent youth-led protests and movements in countries such as Nepal, Serbia, France and Bangladesh, the speakers highlighted that young people across the world were increasingly challenging established political structures and demanding accountability, representation and a greater say in shaping their future.Jessali Zarazua, secretary-general of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY), Mexico, said youth empowerment must go beyond creating leadership opportunities for those from politically influential families. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the informal sector and marginalised communities must also be brought into political processes.“People should not be excluded from politics because they lack formal education, English-language skills or come from disadvantaged family backgrounds,” she said, emphasising the need to reach young people through activities that interest them. Drawing on her experience in Mexico, she recalled how nail art and hairdressing workshops served as platforms to introduce political awareness and discussions on democracy.The speakers also called for mentorship and institutional support. Recalling her own experience, Zarazua said senior male politicians often dismissed her ideas because of her age. Young women often face additional scrutiny, with their achievements unfairly attributed to relationships rather than their capabilities, she added.Eduardo Zanatta, councillor from Brazil’s Workers’ Party (PT), highlighted how young people independently mobilised during President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s re-election campaign. “They started making their own material, their own stamps, their own flyers and campaigning on the streets as well as on social media,” he said, describing youth-led mobilisation as a decisive factor in the campaign.Panellists stressed that political parties must recognise the growing frustration among young people. “If you don’t listen to youth now, you’re going to have the problem of having youth taking their rights by themselves,” said Alice Bernard-Montini of EDP, referring to movements in Serbia and France as examples of young people demanding representation and a better future.Dariana Polo, coordinator of the international secretariat of Venezuela’s CAMBIEMOS Movement, emphasised that political participation must reflect the realities of different regions and communities. “There should be greater inclusion and sustained engagement with young people rather than limiting their participation to election campaigns,” she added.Andisiwe Kumbaca, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa, said young leaders must confront unemployment, inequality and injustice instead of becoming complacent after entering positions of power. “The future is not tomorrow; the future is today,” she added, urging young people to organise and mobilise for change.Moderating the session, Krishna Allavaru, AICC in-charge of Bihar, said young people had the highest stake in shaping the future of their countries and the global order. “If political parties are not making space for the youth, they are making space for themselves outside political parties through political movements,” he cautioned, warning that such movements could eventually make political parties irrelevant.
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