“Tackling climate change, eradicating racism, and resolving food insecurity, to give only a few examples, will require the active participation of youth. Without their contribution, humanity simply will not be able to overcome the most pressing challenges it faces. Educational and policymaking processes must both draw on, and actively promote, the limitless reservoir of potential for social transformation that exists within the young people of the world” stated the Brussels Offices of the Baha’i International Community (BIC) in a letter addressed to the European Union’s informal ministerial meeting on education and youth. The meeting brought together ministers from across Europe over two days to discuss topics such as the inclusion of youth in policy processes, and the role of education in promoting common values and democratic citizenship. 

The BIC’s letter highlighted the importance of reflecting on the perception of youth and their role as well as the need to think about the environments, spaces, and intentions with which youth are engaged in. Further, the letter notes how education should help develop in young people a common identity which recognises the value of diversity. It also adds that beyond equipping young people with technical knowledge, educational systems should foster in students the desire to advance the wellbeing of others.