This week, the Youth7 (Y7) Summit is taking place in Paris. The Summit will welcome youth delegates from the G7 countries — the seven largest advanced economies in the world– the European Union, and the African Union. While there, they’ll prepare a call to action with recommendations to the G7 Heads of State and Government, ahead of the G7 Summit in August.
At ONE, we’ve championed young people’s voices across the world in the fight against extreme poverty. From our Youth Ambassadors in Europe, to our ONE Champions in Nigeria and Senegal, to our Campus activists across the US — our young volunteers are demanding change from their leaders, recruiting their friends in the fight, and empowering others to make a difference.
Recently, they’ve met with their national Y7 representatives to talk about the solutions they believe the G7 can deliver at this year’s Summit.
To mark the Y7 meeting this week, we asked our inspiring young activists on why they campaign for a better world.
Here’s what they had to say:
Hugo, ONE Member, France: I have decided to campaign with ONE to help and to use my voice for a better world, trying to fight against poverty and inequalities in the world. I truly want to raise awareness and to commit to the fight for education which is essential to build the future.
Anneka, ONE Member, UK: Since becoming a Youth Ambassador, I’ve realised how important it is to educate others and raise awareness of the issues that many around the world are facing. There is so much we can do from our own countries that can encourage real change.
Karimot, ONE Champion, Nigeria: When young people come together to use their voice and action, it gives them a sense of purpose and also open their minds on broader issues. Young people between the ages of 10-24 constitute nearly a quarter of the world’s population. If this significant number of people can voice their anger and channel it towards societal development, the world will move towards the right direction. It is important that young people champion causes that are aimed at societal development.
Julia, ONE Member, Netherlands: Born in the Netherlands, I had the opportunity to receive an education. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone in the world, and certainly not for many girls. I believe that the place where you are born should not define the chances you get in life.
Jaly, ONE Champion, Senegal: Youth represent nearly 50% of the African continent’s population. Therefore, if youth understand the power that they have to change things, then we will successfully achieve development in Africa. Decision makers will be more careful with the decisions they make if they know that they are dealing with a youth that is well aware and conscious of their political environment.
Hannah, ONE member, Ireland: Young people today are often viewed as politically disengaged, overly sensitive, and self-centered individuals. As the Youth Ambassador programme shows, when young people encounter an important issue, the passion and drive with which we will greet that topic is astonishing.
Sydney, ONE Member, USA: I was inspired to join ONE because of the saying “Where you live shouldn’t determine whether you live.” I love that ONE is fighting to make sure no matter where someone is born, they have the opportunity to live and thrive without having to face extreme poverty or preventable diseases.
Want to take part in our campaigns fighting to change the world? Join us and become a ONE Member now.
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