Big changes start with small beginnings. Greta Thunberg gained the world’s attention when she first turned up at the Swedish parliament in 2018 to protest against climate change. Since then, ‘the Greta effect’ quickly took effect around the world – leading to the FridaysForFuture, a youth-led global climate strike movement Now, her generation is poised to make a real difference. The role of youth in influencing policy has undeniably become more important. According to the United Nations’ Youth Strategy, young people’s empowerment should not be only an end in itself, but also a means to build a better world. Constituting the largest share of the Egyptian population, it is only evident that governments should be partnering with young people and ensure they are not only “heard but also understood, not only engaged but empowered, and not only supporting but also leading policymaking”. In other words, youth empowerment should go beyond just lip-service; it is a real opportunity that can truly reflect on innovative solutions to existing challenges. While Egypt’s World Youth Forum represents a step forward in making this a reality, there are 3 main areas it works on and…
