Youth Power: The Force of Change

Young people in the world prove day by day that they are not only the future, but they make the present come alive. It is not just climate strikes or social justice campaigns; it is the energy, ideas, and courage they bring to each cause they touch. They challenge the norms daily, push boundaries, and create movements that will define the future. The truth of the matter is, youth are already doing that; they are that change. The challenge is sometimes made impossible to neglect the role being played by this young activism wave in changing our world today, from a brave call for climatic action presented by Greta Thunberg up to relentless actions for education demanded by Malala Yousafzai as well as their voices on crossboard levels-the times have seen everything. These small acts of resistance now echo around the world because each young person proves that age isn't a barrier to making real, measurable change. It is no longer just show movements; instead, they will shift power and change policies. They are a force that cannot be ignored, and they're rewriting the rulebook on activism. There is something magical about youth activism. The way that technology can turn into a multiplier for young people is some sort of phenomenon. Social media becomes the stage, and young people get to narrate their story, rally support, and start campaigns that accelerate at lightning speed. The world has given a megaphone to youth through the digital arena. What was just a tweet would become a movement worldwide. It is in the hashtags, viral videos, and online petitions flooding inboxes that set off boardroom discussions. These are not trends; these are the beat of a generation demanding a seat at the table. But it is also within this same context that they face an uphill battle. They are often underestimated, with society questioning their ability to lead or make a difference. Constant obstacles include limited resources, exclusion from decision-making spaces, and a society that doubts their capabilities. But these don't break them; they fuel them. And with every challenge, youth grow stronger. Every setback becomes a lesson to learn how to move forward with even more determination. And this is what sets this generation apart from others: the ability to learn from adversity, rise above it, and do the impossible. There's Afghanistan, too. A country where Taliban-enforced harsh Sharia law stands at odds with young people fighting another battle: where faith is against them. This version of Sharia the Taliban is practicing is far, far away from the Islam that is supposed to be one of peace, justice, and knowledge. For a young person living in Afghanistan, life is about being dictated by a repressive regime that wraps itself in religion when it is in fact about domination. Girls cannot go to school. Expression is throttled. The future is painted as a jail. Yet, in the face of this oppression, there is a quiet revolution unfolding. Afghan youth, bred in a system designed to break them, have refused to shut up. Though they may not be able to speak their mind, they devise ways-hidden schools, secret meetings, underground networks-that allow them to keep the fight alive for their rights. These acts of resistance, in the grand scheme of things, may seem negligible, but they are powerful. They're not going to let their voices be silenced, in a place where even the smallest rebellion can come at a great cost. That youth in Afghanistan shows that resistance need not be always loud. They are the small, hidden classrooms where young girls learn to read and write while it is outlawed. In the quiet and closed-door talks, young minds exchange ideas of dissent against this regime. Whispers of the dreams of the generation who wouldn't want that future imposed by the fear and repression. It is easy to see the youth of such places as powerless, products of their environments. But what is not seen is their strength. The strength to push against the tide. The strength to dream despite the odds. They may be living in a world where freedom is stripped away, but the one thing no regime can control is their spirit. At the heart of this youth empowerment is education—access to knowledge, not just in the form of textbooks, but in the lessons that come from resisting injustice. The hunger for learning, the thirst for truth—it's these qualities that can't be extinguished. Even in the most oppressive regimes, young people are finding ways to educate themselves, to think critically, and to question everything they've been told. Education in this context becomes an act of defiance, a refusal to be bound by ignorance. It is here, then, that the true power of youth lies: changing the world through ideas. In refusing to accept the status quo. The youth of today are living through an era of rapid change—change driven by them. Their resilience, creativity, and vision are reshaping the world around them. They aren't waiting for a better future. They're creating one. It is, undoubtedly, the youth who will take us there as we look forward. These may seem insurmountable obstacles, but it is on them that the doors to a brighter future shall swing open for us: a just one, an inclusive one, and a progressive one. We have to provide them with what they need: their voices amplified, their potential believed in, and the resources to build a better tomorrow. The youth aren't just a generation to watch; they are the ones who will make history. All we have to do is listen, and follow their lead.