The Road to Y20

Preparing for Y20 in Rio de Janeiro

In the heart of Rio de Janeiro, a city known for its vibrant culture and indomitable spirit, a gathering of young minds is set to take place that will bring together thought and community leaders from all over the world shaping the future of global policy. This event is the Youth 20 (Y20) Summit, the official youth engagement group of the G20, where the leaders of tomorrow come together to address the challenges of today.

The Y20 is a unique forum that empowers young leaders from the G20 nations to contribute to the global dialogue, offering policy recommendations on issues that resonate with the younger generation. It’s a platform where the energy and innovative spirit of youth converge to influence the highest echelons of global governance.

The Y20 is not merely a conference; it’s a process, a journey of engagement that culminates in the Y20 Summit. Here, delegates from G20 countries, along with invited guest nations, engage in rigorous policy discussions across various tracks such as climate change, digital transformation, and social inclusion. The outcome is a communiqué, a powerful document that encapsulates the collective recommendations of the youth delegates. This communiqué is then presented to the G20 leaders, ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of the younger generation are considered in high-level decision-making.

This year, the Y20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro is poised to tackle five critical themes, each reflecting the urgency and complexity of the challenges we face globally.

Fighting Hunger, Poverty, and Inequality

The first theme emphasizes the urgent need to combat hunger, poverty, and inequality on a global scale. This track acknowledges the interconnected nature of these issues and aims to foster discussions on innovative solutions and policies that can promote social justice and economic equity. By focusing on these areas, the Y20 seeks to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and fair global society, where resources and opportunities are distributed more equitably, and the basic needs of all individuals are met.

Climate Change and Sustainable Development

This theme is dedicated to addressing the dual challenges of climate change and sustainable development. It underscores the importance of environmental stewardship and the need for a coordinated global response to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The discussions in this track will likely explore strategies for promoting green technologies, renewable energy sources, and sustainable practices that can support economic growth without compromising the health of our planet. This theme aligns with the broader G20 focus on sustainable infrastructure and climate action.

Reform of the Global Governance System

The third theme focuses on the reform of the global governance system. This track recognizes the evolving geopolitical landscape and the need for international institutions and frameworks that can effectively address contemporary global challenges. Discussions will likely revolve around enhancing the effectiveness, transparency, and inclusivity of global governance mechanisms, ensuring that they are better equipped to facilitate international cooperation and respond to the needs of a diverse and interconnected world.

Inclusion and Diversity

This theme highlights the importance of fostering inclusion and diversity within societies and across the global community. It aims to promote discussions on policies and initiatives that can combat discrimination, support marginalized communities, and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from economic and social development. By prioritizing inclusion and diversity, the Y20 seeks to advance a vision of a world where differences are celebrated, and everyone has a voice in shaping the future.

Innovation in the World of Work

The final theme addresses the future of work and the role of innovation in shaping labor markets and employment opportunities. This track will explore the impacts of technological advancements, digital transformation, and the changing nature of work on individuals and economies. Discussions will likely focus on strategies for preparing the workforce for the jobs of the future, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful and accessible employment opportunities for all.

As the delegates prepare to gather in August, the eyes of the world will be on Rio, watching as the next generation of leaders drafts a communiqué that will be presented to the G20 leaders. The recommendations made at the Y20 Summit have the potential to influence global policy and bring about a just and sustainable future. Nobody knows yet how successful this youth consultation will be in the end. However, the annual summit serves as a reminder that when young people come together with a shared vision, they can make a profound impact on the world already.

As the summit approaches, the anticipation builds for what has the potential to be a transformative event, not just for the participants, but for the global community at large. With an increase in domestic and international conflicts over the policy areas that will be discussed a global gathering like the G20, including the engagement groups of which Y20 is only one, might be the missing piece to find common ground and align positions for a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future.