As ever, the New Year presents an opportunity for reflection and reevaluation. In my last column, I explained that 2021 had been a “rollercoaster” for young activists, who saw their peers “suffering the worst during times of crisis” and “leading the way at moments of breakthrough.” As 2022 kicks off, therefore, young changemakers around the world will be thinking about how they can best make use of the next 12 months. However, progress will only be possible with the support of national and international leaders.
Below is a wish list of the top three things that this young activist would like to see in 2022, and two resolutions that the international system should make to better deliver on these wishes—as well as those of other young people and future generations.
First, the wish list.