Moving Beyond the Selfie: A Call for Intentional Youth Representation in Global Summits and Workshops
Introduction
After years of advocacy, youth
delegates now have more access to global platforms than ever before[1]. Yet,
ironically, this increased representation has also opened the door to
superficial engagement. In some cases, these platforms are misused. What ought
to be an advocacy event is transformed into a tourist opportunity where
attendees focus more on taking selfies, posting on social media, and enjoying
the novelty of being away from home.[2]
Picture this: a room buzzing with
youth delegates from around the world who are gathered to discuss pressing
issues like climate change, gender equality, and sustainable development. The
stakes are high, the topics complex. But rather than diving into action plans,
the attendees seem more intent on finding the best backdrop for a selfie or
scoring the perfect candid shot for Instagram. In a world where these rare
opportunities demand substance and serious advocacy, it’s high time we rethink
our priorities. Global summits and conferences shouldn’t be treated as the
ultimate vacation photo-op but as platforms to drive meaningful change.
We have been reduced to our own
worst stereotype. When we make the political class view youth representatives
as more interested in capturing memories than effecting change, it only fuels
skepticism. Further, given that these events are costly and exclusive, youth
who get the privilege of attendance have a unique responsibility to advocate
seriously for their communities.[3] It is
time for youth representatives to transition from being mere attendees to
intentional voices for their generation. As a result, this paper explores the
critical need for intentional youth representation, not just attendance, and
the pitfalls of self-promotion at the expense of purpose.
1.
When Representation Turns into a Tourist Attraction and Advocacy Takes a
Backseat
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a
good photo at a big event? But when youth representation begins to look more
like a guided tour of conference venues than advocacy for urgent issues, we
have a very big problem. As world leaders convene to discuss policies with
far-reaching future consequences, it’s perplexing to see young delegates
preoccupied with capturing the best angles instead of policy angles. For some,
the moment they step onto the summit floor is apparently less about standing up
for their communities and more about collecting enough photos to last through
several rounds of Throwback Thursdays. Unfortunately, this tendency not only
distracts from the real work at hand but also gives the political class reason
to suspect that young people aren’t quite serious about the issues. In my
previous article, in which I posit that the youth should not be flower-girls in
summits, I said that youths in summits shouldn’t just be there to tick boxes.[4] Don’t
you think then the political class would be justified to do so if all we can do
is take selfies? Maybe we are actually flower girls.
The irony is thick. Here we have
leaders eager to see what the younger generation has to say about the future,
only to find a contingent of attendees who seem more interested in exploring
local cuisine or finding quirky photo spots than advocating for their
communities. It’s as if the weight of representation is swapped for the weight
of ‘likes.’ Consider this scene again: a group of young delegates, decked out
in event lanyards and formal attire, snapping photos in front of
official-looking banners and swapping stories about the best coffee shops
nearby. And so, we arrive at the age-old
question: if you attended a global summit and didn’t post about it, did you
even go? Therefore, in an era of “pics or it didn’t happen,” even the most
serious summits are at risk of turning into backdrops for personal branding.
There’s no denying that a photo of oneself in front of the United Nations flag
has a certain appeal. But if the focus remains on photo ops, the point of being
there is entirely missed. Youth summits are meant to harness young voices for
significant, global impact, not to serve as mere scenery for the ‘world citizen
aesthetic.’
The real issue here is one of
priorities. Many young people dedicate their time to earn a place at these
events, yet some seem to forget that they are there to represent their peers
back home. While a photograph might capture a moment, it doesn’t capture the
essence of why one is there or the issues that need to be addressed. When the
focus is on aesthetics rather than advocacy, the true purpose of youth
representation is lost, and the impact of their presence at these summits
dwindles.
2.
The Cost Behind the Responsibility of Presence
The journey to these summits and
conferences isn’t just metaphorical; it’s financial. There’s no getting around
it: global summits and workshops aren’t exactly cheap affairs. Traveling
internationally, securing accommodation, and covering conference fees is
prohibitively expensive.[5]
Prohibitive in that typically only a select few young people receive
sponsorships, grants, or scholarships to attend. This exclusivity alone should
underscore the responsibility attached to attending. It means that for each
young person who attends, many others are left behind due to the sheer expense
of participation. Those privileged enough to participate are, in effect, handed
a megaphone for their entire generation—they carry the weight of representing
countless others who cannot afford to be there—no pressure, right?
Imagine pooling resources to send a
representative to an international summit, only to find that their delegate
spent more time sightseeing than engaging in the issues. These delegates,
consciously or not, bear the responsibility of representing those who could not
attend. The exclusivity of these events means that each delegate is, by
default, a spokesperson for a demographic whose voices might otherwise go
unheard. And yet, if these delegates treat these opportunities like vacations,
they betray the trust and resources invested in them.
Given this high cost, one would
think the delegates attending would be armed with plans, perspectives, and
voices of those who couldn’t afford to be there. But when they’re instead more
invested in curating the perfect ‘global leader aesthetic,’ they waste not only
an incredible opportunity but the goodwill that allowed them to be there in the
first place. The danger is that those who take these summits as vacations do a
double disservice: they deny themselves a real opportunity to engage, and they
reinforce the stereotype that youth representation is more show than substance.
Youth delegates must appreciate the
privilege of being selected to participate and understand that such
opportunities are not to be taken lightly. Their attendance should symbolize
more than just personal gain; it should be about voicing the concerns of those
they represent.
3.
Intentionality Calls for More Than Just 'Showing Up'
For many young people, representing
their country or community at an international summit is a dream come true.
But, with the growing phenomenon of what I seek to describe as “summit
tourism,” some attendees seem to be more focused on curating the perfect
Instagram post rather than preparing talking points. This "summit
tourism" attitude ignores the real purpose of these platforms—to discuss,
plan, and act on issues like climate change, social equity, and economic
resilience. A delegate with purpose doesn’t spend their days searching for the
best lighting; they are too busy on discussions and presenting researched,
well-thought-out arguments. The opportunity to participate in these events
should be seen as a responsibility rather than a vacation, yet an alarming
number of youth approach summits like an all-inclusive trip, complete with
endless selfies, social media posts, and little actual and meaningful
engagement.
Youth participation on the global
stage calls for purpose, not a passive presence[6]. Being intentional means
preparing well in advance, understanding the issues, and crafting messages that
resonate. It also means doing the hard work of listening to community members,
conducting research, and arriving at the summit ready to engage. When young
delegates take the time to understand the broader impact of the issues
discussed, they are better equipped to make informed, articulate contributions[7].
Suffice to say, this level of
preparation is NOT optional at all. Whether the issue is climate change, gender
equality, or economic empowerment, young delegates must be intentionally
willing to dive deep. Real solutions come from informed perspectives and a
strong grasp of the subject matter. A delegate who shows up prepared not only
gains the respect of their peers and the political class but also strengthens
the entire case for youth involvement in policy discussions. For instance, a
youth delegate might come prepared with data from their community on how
climate change has impacted local livelihoods. Instead of simply recounting a
story, they could propose community-specific solutions or highlight innovative
local practices that could inform global strategies. This kind of engagement
forces the political class to take young voices seriously.
Being an intentional representative
also means resisting the urge to be a passive attendee. When one steps into a
global summit, they are there to engage actively—to debate, to question, and to
advocate for solutions. While a photo might capture the surface, it’s the
dialogue, the questions, and the willingness to challenge the status quo that
make a lasting impact.
Intentional representation demands
preparation, passion, intentionality and dedication to advocating for the
community back home[8]. This
isn’t about flashing one’s badge or scoring a shot with an important figure;
it’s about delivering clear and actionable ideas to that important figure. And
no, saying “I went to COP and stood by the stage where world leaders spoke” is
not exactly the high bar we need for meaningful engagement.
4.
The Youth Have Become Their Own Worst Stereotype with the Political Class
Let’s face it: young people already
face skepticism from the political class. Leaders are often hesitant to view
youth as serious stakeholders, partly because of the impression that young
people lack depth or commitment.[9] And
while this generalization is unfair, the actions of a few have done little to
dispel these stereotypes. For those convinced that youth representatives are
merely ‘playing grown-up,’ the antics of the selfie brigade seem almost
custom-tailored to confirm their worst suspicions. It’s hard to blame world
leaders for being skeptical of youth advocacy when it seems like some of the
attendees have mistaken these events for spring break—just swap the beach for a
conference room. When youth representatives spend more time hunting for the
ideal photo location than preparing thoughtful contributions, they cultivate
the very weeds of biases that hinder their credibility. Leaders, who may
already harbor doubts about youth capabilities, are unlikely to take us
seriously if every delegation resembles a weekend getaway to Paris with a side
of light activism. We have given them ample reason to keep youth voices at the
margins.
This skepticism is compounded and
fueled when young delegates attend summits looking unprepared or uninterested
in engaging deeply with the discussions. Imagine a ambassador’s bemusement when
a youth delegate—rather than discussing environmental policy—is obsessively
checking their phone and taking snaps. Such acts confirm the biases held by
many that youth participation is more symbolic than substantive, a token gesture
rather than a serious avenue for change.
This is not to say that every youth
representative treats these summits frivolously. For those young delegates
genuinely committed to advancing their communities’ concerns, such impressions
make their work twice as hard. They must not only advocate for change but also
counteract the trivializing behaviors of their peers. The result is that youth
advocacy itself appears performative and lacking in depth. This in turn
encourages leaders to stick to their traditional peers who (at least on the
surface) seem more prepared to engage in serious discussion. A real opportunity is lost when youth leaders
do not take themselves seriously. Who will take us seriously then? If youth representation
is to transcend mere tokenism, it requires rigorous preparation, a commitment
to the issues, and a willingness to stand as equal partners in dialogue.
Otherwise, the political class will continue to regard young voices as
inconsequential, relegating them to photo ops and feel-good speeches rather
than including them in substantive decision-making processes.
5.
Bringing the Summit Home
A summit selfie might look great in
the moment, but what’s the lasting impact of attending these events? Youth who
secure a spot at international conferences should recognize that the real work
begins not on arrival, but when they return home. Instead of basking in the
glow of a successful trip, intentional delegates ought to use their newfound
insights to effect local change[10]. After
all, if nothing you learned at the summit leads to something tangible for your
community, then what was the point?
The journey does not end at the
conclusion of the summit. In fact, it’s only beginning. A truly intentional
youth delegate recognizes that the real work begins upon their return. If young
leaders return to their communities and fail to share what they’ve learned or
apply their insights locally, they miss an essential part of their
responsibility. Every summit attended should serve as fuel for local advocacy and
community engagement. An effective youth delegate uses the platform to initiate
change at home. They might organize workshops to share key insights, mentor
peers interested in advocacy, or start community projects inspired by the
summit. This commitment to translating global discussions into local action not
only reinforces the value of youth involvement but also legitimizes the
resources and efforts invested in getting them to the summit in the first
place.
Imagine if every delegate came back
equipped with practical solutions to share with their peers, initiated
discussions in schools, or launched local initiatives inspired by the ideas
exchanged at these forums. If we translate global insights into grassroots
action, we validate the importance of youth involvement. We become engines of
social change.
6.
Conclusion
The future is young and youth
participation at global summits cannot afford to be a game of popularity points
or passport stamps. It cannot afford to be trivialized. Young people who attend
these events should remember that they are there to represent not just
themselves, but countless others who never got the chance to make it to the
room. They must do so with a strong sense of purpose and an unwavering
commitment to the issues they represent. They are given this rare and critical
opportunity to elevate the issues that matter, challenge the old guard, and
bring fresh perspectives into the conversation.
Intentional youth representation
doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or personal growth; it simply means prioritizing
the greater good over personal gain. It means choosing to engage with the
issues even when it’s easier to disengage and understanding that every
action—or inaction—reflects not just on oneself but on an entire generation.
The call to meaningful engagement is a call to abandon summit tourism for
something far more compelling: a chance to be the youth leaders we so eagerly
post about being. Real success in youth
representation will be measured not by the number of photos shared but by the voices
amplified, the policies influenced, and the communities empowered. So next time
you’re handed that summit badge, maybe put the phone down—there’s a whole world
of work waiting. As I also put my phone down, for youth delegates willing to
take on this responsibility, the path is clear: rise above the distractions,
dive into the substance, and ensure that their presence leaves a mark long
after the cameras are turned off. Only then can young delegates can ensure that
their presence resonates long after the flash fades.
[1] ‘Youth Delegates Demand Greater Inclusion in Discussions
about Digital Policies, Innovation, Protocols, as Commission on Status of Women
Continues Session’ (United Nations)
<https://press.un.org/en/2023/wom2226.doc.htm> accessed 29 October 2024
[2] Elsie Hui, Smita Singh, Patrick KF Lin, and Denise Dillon,
‘Social Media Influence on Emerging Adults’ Prosocial Behavior: A Systematic
Review’ (2024) 46(4) Basic and Applied
Social Psychology 239–265 <https://doi.org/10.1080/01973533.2024.2342396>accessed 14 November 2024.
[3] Nicholas E Rowe, ‘The Economic Cost of Attending
Educational Conferences’ (2019) 1(1) International
Journal on Social and Education Sciences 30<https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1264052.pdf>accessed 14 November 2024.
[4] Ayaga Max Liambilah, ‘We Are Not Flower Girls Here: Youth
Representation Should Be Intentional, Not a Mere Formality’ (LinkedIn, 22
September 2024)
<https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/we-flower-girls-here-youth-representation-should-mere-liambilah-gnfyf?trackingId=haSbdCkCT3Oly8E1AJySmg%3D%3D&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_recent_activity_content_view%3BRtvhfaluRCqVP3FbfGT6jw%3D%3D>accessed 14 November 2024.
[5] S Pancer, L Rose-Krasnor, and L Loiselle, ‘Youth
Conferences as a Context for Engagement’ (2002) (2002 New Directions for Youth Development 47) 47–64<https://doi.org/10.1002/yd.26>accessed 29 October 2024
[6] Helen Cahill and Babak Dadvand, ‘Re-conceptualising Youth
Participation: A Framework to Inform Action’ (2018) 95 Children and Youth Services Review 243, 243–253 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.11.001 accessed 29 October 2024
[7] Dr Barry Checkoway and Lorraine Gutierrez, ‘Youth
Participation and Community Change’ (2006) 14 Journal of Community Practice 1, 1–9<https://doi.org/10.1300/J125v14n01_01>accessed 29 October 2024
[8] The Action Guide for
Advocacy and Citizen Participation (Stylus Publishing 2002) 198
<http://www.justassociates.org/chap10%20mapping%20strategies.pdf>accessed 29 October 2024.
[9] Daniel Stockemer and Aksel Sundstrom, Youth without Representation: The Absence of Young Adults in
Parliaments, Cabinets, and Candidacies (2022)<https://doi.org/10.3998/mpub.11459940>accessed 29 October 2024.
[10] ‘Examining why and how engage young people’<https://www.youthpower.org/sites/default/files/YouthPower/files/resources/Examining
Why and How Engage Young People.pdf> accessed 29 October 2024
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