Kids today are socially conscious and politically engaged. They understand the power that politicians have to directly impact their lives. They’ve seen that firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the most powerful messages Big ambitions It was a desire for a fairer, more equal world: kids want to change the world, they want to care, and they want their voices to be heard.
The results of Big Ambition revealed the passions and frustrations of kids who felt that because they couldn’t vote, no one listened to them and their voices didn’t matter.
As the Children’s Commissioner, it’s clear to me that children’s voices matter. They don’t have the right to vote, but they are 100% the future and we need to listen to them. That’s why, when the election was announced, I called on the party leaders to hold a leadership debate for children. Whoever wins the election, I want children’s voices to be listened to. I want them to listen and act.
My young ambassadors have shared their views on each of the themes of “Ambition,” concluding today with “A Better World.”
Poppy:
My dream is to make the world a better place when I grow up. Whether it be international or just my own little corner of the world, my dreams should not be limited by age. This is a common sentiment shared by many young people.
Young people have the passion, creativity and resilience we need to create a better world. If we harness our potential and empower change-makers to take action, we can build a brighter future for everyone. We can make an impact.
Young people are unique in that they have fresh perspectives that are not constrained by conventional thinking. They have innovative and creative solutions to society’s challenges. They have the power to bring hope and optimism to the world. And frankly, they have the power to make the world a better place.
We are the future and should be treated as such. Inclusion and empathy are at the heart of a better world. Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable. Everyone has the right to have their voice heard, and we can create a world where individuals and nations prioritise listening to and learning from one another, fostering genuine connections, promoting peace and cooperation, and creating full unity. To do this, we need to build platforms that listen to people. Governments at all levels need to listen to children. Every school, constituency, government department and parliament need to prioritise young people’s voices and directly influence policy-making.
Mehul:
For many young people, pollution and sustainability issues are the biggest threat facing future generations. We are growing up in a time of marked environmental degradation, climate change and pollution, which pose a direct threat to our health, development and future prospects.
Exposure to air pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide can cause respiratory diseases, asthma and other health problems, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly children, whose developing bodies are more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollution.
Addressing these pressing environmental challenges requires concerted efforts and bold action from decision-makers.
How much and how fast we should invest in a green future has been widely debated, but one of the easiest ways to start is by educating our children about the environment.
Education is crucial in empowering children to be agents of change and advocates for a sustainable future, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and protect the planet.
By adopting a holistic approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability, promotes social equity, and the well-being of future generations, we can work together to tackle pollution and build a healthy and sustainable world for all living things.