Since a very young age, my restless and curious mind has not allowed me to become complacent for long. I was always interested in learning new things and getting involved in social issues. I would watch the news constantly and could name all the ministers when asked in the classroom. This indicates an interest in politics from an early age. This evolved and grew over the years through active involvement in volunteering projects and organizations while at school and university.
Although young people have the ability to be fully active citizens and participate in politics and the job market, most of the time, they are not given the opportunity to do so because they are considered inexperienced by older people. I became focused on youth empowerment first in my home country and then worldwide after studying in the United Kingdom. I met young innovators and inspiring young leaders from across the globe at renowned world summits and organizations like One Young World, the Global Shapers Community of the World Economic Forum, the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations, and the UN-Habitat Youth Advisory Board. These experiences made me realize the infinite power of young people when it comes to improving our world.
Furthermore, I want to realize a world where young people’s full potential is harnessed by society, and their voices are heard globally. Chasing that dream, I founded a youth-led NGO in 2016 called The European Cyprus Society. We work to ensure that all young people, male and female, have access to the job and educational opportunities they deserve.
Through social inclusion and participation, young people will become responsible stakeholders of their society, able to offer solutions to pressing global challenges. And in order to protect the rights of the youth, their voices must also be reflected in politics. A large part of the world’s population consists of young people, and to exclude that generation from society would prohibit the world from new ideas, new talents, and ultimately progress. Hence, the empowerment and participation of young people will lead to a better future for all.
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