Ten Trends to Look Out for in 2024
01. Navigating Global Shifts
Our world is steadily moving from a single power structure to one with multiple influential players, including rising powers like China. This shift, coupled with ongoing regional conflicts and increasing social demands driven by factors such as rising living costs and mounting environmental concerns, will challenge the resilience of international relations and established norms.
The U.S. elections and their worldwide implications will not only shape America's foreign policy but also set the tone for its engagement with global issues, such as tackling climate change. These intersecting political, social, and economic factors are poised to frame the narrative of 2024, calling for enhanced global cooperation to navigate the complexities of an increasingly unpredictable world. Young countries have an important role to play in driving cooperation around shared global priorities and key developmental goals.
Your Move
Encourage young people and your organizations to actively participate in international dialogues, focusing on global priorities that demand collective action and impact all generations. This participation is crucial for influencing policies concerning current and future challenges.
02. Election Extravaganza
Over half the world's population will participate in nationwide elections this year, with nearly 2 billion people in over 70 countries casting their votes. For the 30 young countries with upcoming elections, such as Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and several African states, this represents a critical opportunity to shape the future of governance and political engagement.
However, concerns about the fairness and freedom of these elections underline the need for vigilance in maintaining democratic integrity. This is especially important in nations with large youth populations, where the legitimacy of elections can significantly influence the political landscape, erode trust in democratic institutions, and contribute to the growing rise of illiberalism. It's crucial to ensure that democracy thrives and young people are meaningfully engaged in political processes.
Your Move
Inspire young people to be more than just voters; encourage them to get involved in civil society, political discourse, and advocacy for peaceful power transitions and accountable governments.
03. Bridging the Wealth Gap
The wealth disparity between generations will continue to shape our global dialogues and social cohesion in 2024. A study conducted last year highlighted this growing divide: millennials' median wealth is less than half that of baby boomers at the same age. This could potentially hinder social mobility, making upward economic movement a challenging feat for the next generation. It may also fuel political polarization as disenfranchised young voters, feeling marginalized by the system, might gravitate towards populist or extremist political parties.
Your Move
Advocate for policies that address economic disparities between generations. This can include lobbying for fairer economic practices and programs that promote social mobility and reduce political division.
04. Surfing Economic Waves
The global economic outlook predicts a sustained slowdown, posing unique challenges, especially for young people. In response, governments may resort to austerity measures, potentially impacting investments in the SDGs and limiting young people's readiness for a rapidly changing job market. Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Young nations like Brazil, India, Mexico, and Turkey are demonstrating promising growth patterns, potentially altering the dynamics of global economic power and presenting new opportunities for their young populations. Moreover, as technological advancements drive changes in the world of work at a breathtaking pace, education needs to adapt and innovate. We can project more educational breakthroughs aimed at equipping young individuals with the resilience, skills, and knowledge necessary to navigate a constantly evolving job landscape.
Your Move
Encourage and support young people's participation in dialogues around economic development. Back programs that prepare them for the future, emphasizing the importance of public services during economic slowdowns.
05. People on the Move
The number of people residing in a country different from their birthplace has more than tripled in the last 50 years, predominately young people and children. This year, some of these people will be refugees escaping conflict, others economic migrants seeking a better life, and others still looking to relocate to areas less affected by rising temperatures and sea levels. Economies will continue to benefit from an influx of mostly young, able-bodied and active workers. Job offers, visas, and educational opportunities could increasingly be used to address skill gaps and in trade negotiations with young countries boasting skilled workers and emerging markets. However, concerns about the potential strain on utilities, public services, and local communities may continue to fuel political division. Resources will also be needed to counteract the effects of brain drain on those left behind, many of whom already lack access to essential services like electricity, healthcare, and internet connectivity.
Your Move
Raise awareness and establish support systems for young people and families on the move, especially those from fragile settings. Advocate for safe, fair, and inclusive migration policies and address community concerns about the impact of migration on public services.
06. The Climate Hot Potato
Climate change remains one of the greatest threats facing humanity this year, with young people playing a pivotal role in mitigating its impacts. Environmental hazards associated with climate change, such as floods, wildfires, and droughts, compound the existing challenges faced by young people worldwide. Young people and young nations must continue to prioritize climate action, advocating for sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing the use of renewable energy. The year 2024 represents a critical opportunity to determine whether there's enough will to make the necessary changes and tough decisions needed to prevent some of the most catastrophic effects of climate change in the near future.
Your Move
Inspire young people to play an active role in combating climate change. This includes participation in global climate discussions and local initiatives for sustainable development and renewable energy.
07. Clean Fuel for the Future
The ongoing transition to clean energy continues to revolutionize the global energy sector, presenting a golden opportunity for young countries to contribute to a more sustainable future. As new green superpowers emerge, it's crucial for young people to actively support and advocate for clean energy initiatives. This shift presents both potential challenges and exciting opportunities, especially for young nations rich in green resources like lithium, copper, and nickel. It also opens up avenues for engagement with businesses that are transitioning to clean energy solutions and championing eco-friendly policies.
Your Move
Encourage young people to actively support and engage with clean energy initiatives. Spotlight the promising opportunities in the green energy sector and underscore the importance of sustainable resource management.
08. Leveling the Playing Field
Young nations across Asia and Africa, with high youth populations, face disproportionate effects due to slow SDG progress. This manifests as economic inequality, educational gaps, and suboptimal development outcomes. Amidst multiple crises, it's crucial to address these disparities to ensure no generation is left behind. For instance, in South Africa, young people are leading mass protests demanding access to quality education, employment opportunities, and healthcare. Meanwhile, youth unemployment obstructs progress in other countries. Improving access to education, employment, and healthcare for all young people, irrespective of their socio-economic status, should be a top priority.
Your Move
Advocate for policies and initiatives that advance the SDGs, particularly in areas critical to young people such as education, employment, and healthcare. Emphasize the significance of these goals in young nations with sizable youth populations.
09. Keeping up with the Bots
The transition from bots to intelligent agents is set to be the most significant tech revolution since we shifted from typing commands to tapping icons. This year stands as a pivotal moment to overcome traditional development challenges and carve new pathways for growth. Young entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa are leveraging technology to deliver affordable healthcare and education services in remote areas, while digital payments in India are reshaping how people transact and access financial services. While these opportunities are thrilling, it's crucial to ensure that all young people have the digital infrastructure, skills, and literacy needed to participate in the digital economy. This includes refining regulatory approaches, using AI for job creation, and addressing concerns about AI's impact on democracy and elections. With over 800 measures under consideration globally, ethical concerns around AI will finally be addressed with legislative action this year, and it's vital that young people are engaged throughout this process.
Your Move
Equip young people with the necessary digital skills and literacy. Advocate for inclusive access to digital infrastructure and engage them in dialogues about the ethical implications of AI and digital technologies.
10. Scope for Global Unity
Exciting global events on the horizon, such as the Summit of the Future, present golden opportunities to foster unity and showcase how common interests and achievements can bridge geopolitical divides. For young people, these platforms become a springboard for participating in global dialogues and influencing key international issues. For young nations, they provide a stage to express unique viewpoints and concerns, highlighting their role in moulding our shared future and adjusting global cooperation to address their needs.
Your Move
Encourage young people to explore and engage in intergenerational action and dialogues to influence the Summit of the Future. Support their efforts to utilize these platforms in expressing their perspectives and shaping international policies and conversations.
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