ADDIS ABABA: With growing concerns around declining trust in institutions, digital misinformation, and uneven political participation, youth are stepping forward as champions of transparency, civic responsibility, and inclusive policy making, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the recent wave of Gen Z protests in several countries has made it clear that the will of the youth is no longer insignificant and that their prioritisation of good governance has increased.
“Let us be clear; the youth are the movers of change, and society should harness their energy, creativity and drive.
“This global phenomena should provide a wake-up call for governments around the world to improve the way business is done, and to cater more meaningfully to the needs of the youth,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that the youth of today and the future must not wait for change to happen, but must be the architects of that change.
“Unfortunately, the youth are not treated as equal participants in the political process in large parts of the world, which in turn exacerbates negative perceptions of the government being out-of-touch, unable to effectively address the critical challenges of our time.
“In the key areas of global governance and social progress, I firmly believe the youth can advocate for more inclusive structures that prioritise their voices in decision-making processes,” he said at a special lecture at the Afro-Malaysia Youth Forum.
Anwar told the participants that everywhere, including in Malaysia, the youth are masters of digital tools and the use of technology, where they can push the agenda to greater participatory democracy, to remind the powers that be of the imperatives of transparency and accountability.
He also stressed on the importance of Southeast Asia and Global South Cooperation, pointing to the fact that both regions are well placed to further strengthen long-standing ties, rooted in trade, movement of peoples and shared ideas for anti-colonialism and non-alignment.
“We must build bridges, through bilateral partnerships, cooperation between Asean and African Union and coordinated action at multilateral platforms.
“Whatever the form, our cooperation must be grounded in principle and guided by purpose,” he added.
The Prime Minister said Africa’s journey has never been without challenges, particularly its path towards nation-building, in a momentous era which saw the emergence of leaders with undiminished courage of conviction and exceptional tenacity of purpose.
“Today, we see the world undergoing another profound shift. Emerging economies of the Global South are rising, not only in economic weight but in moral and political voice.
“With this rise comes both responsibility and opportunity to help shape global governance, to make it meaningful, impactful, and enduring, so that the international order ahead is more inclusive, balanced and equitable,” he added.
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