The Value of Engaging Young Leaders Worldwide
iBestTravel believes responsible travel can be a force for good. This belief resonates with many global leaders, including President Barack Obama, who has shared experiences with optimistic and engaged young people during his international visits.
As I conclude my presidency in Peru, I reflect on the countless experiences I’ve had meeting young people across the globe. My travels have consistently included town hall meetings with youth, a hallmark of my administration.
Throughout my presidency, I have traveled extensively, participating in critical international engagements that strengthen alliances and foster economic growth. Initiatives to combat climate change and other global issues are contingent on ongoing cooperation across borders.
It is my firm belief that international cooperation must extend beyond governments; we must foster connections between people. Engaging with youth is crucial, as they will shape our future long after we have stepped aside from leadership roles.
The Importance of Youth Engagement
Consider the global demographics: over half of the world’s population is 30 years old or younger. This is even more significant in developing nations, where 90 percent of young people reside. These individuals are encountering extraordinary technological advancements that reshape their realities and pave the way for unparalleled connectivity.
To empower this vital demographic, I launched Young Leaders Initiatives across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. These programs aim to connect young people with resources, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive as leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates. As a result, many youth are already making substantial contributions to solving pressing local challenges.
Examples of Impactful Youth Initiatives
- A Ugandan rapper using music to promote civic engagement.
- A Rwandan entrepreneur providing renewable energy solutions to off-grid communities.
- A Myanmar doctor offering free medical services to children.
- A Thai activist organizing regional efforts against human trafficking.
- A Laotian youth leading environmental protection initiatives against illegal logging.
- A Philippine city manager implementing health programs inspired by skills gained abroad.
Each of these initiatives contributes to a larger movement, creating ripples of change necessary for a better world. Conversations with young leaders consistently reveal their enthusiasm for connection and collaboration. As one participant noted, the experiences gained have profoundly shaped their perspective on making an impact through tolerance and multiculturalism.
These endeavors may not always make headlines, yet they reflect the optimism and commitment of youth from diverse backgrounds. As we face divisions in global politics, it is heartening to observe that young people often embrace tolerance, compassion, and dedication toward effecting meaningful change in their communities.
When pondering my legacy, I find it lies in the youth whose lives we have touched. Policies hold significance, yet the progress achieved through engaging youth will ultimately define the impact of the past years. These young leaders, poised to become future presidents, activists, and innovators, embody hope for generating extraordinary change.
