Trend: Voices of the Next Generation

A trend indicates a direction of change in values and needs which is driven by forces and manifests itself already in various ways within certain groups in society

“Young people have the potential to save the world. All we have to do is let them do just that”, said Chief Economist and Assistant Secretary General at the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs' Elliott Harris. “And that means giving them a fair shot at a quality education and decent jobs”. 

Young people are taking action for their future and trying to influence politics. They are doing this for their future and for the next generation’s future. And because the next generations will themselves challenge different futures. There is a need to be able to continuously learn and adapt.
 

This Trend is part of the Megatrend Diversification of education and learning

Manifestations

Developments happening in certain groups in society that indicate examples of change. 

For our future

The future for young people is directly threatened by the climate crisis and the ecological breakdown. Young people have been inspired to take action against this threat, because they want to protect the earth, the diversity of its species and the future lives of all beings. One of their main ambitions is to overcome the climate crisis and to create a society that lives in harmony. How can such young and active voices be incorporated in the future of education? 

Signals of change: Fridays for future, Teach the Future, Generation waking up, UN, Greta Thunberg

Young voices in politics

In an ideal world, political decisions should be taken with a long-term perspective in mind, because the decisions they take are not only for our future, but have consequences for many generations to come. Therefore, we should try to consult the voices of future generations too. We could even think, for example, about giving voting rights to the future generation.

Signals of change: Jan Terlouw, Wales, SOIF

Next generation: Y, Z, Alpha, COVID

The Y generation, the millennials or ‘generation change’, are calling for action. They are fighting for a transformed world and new ways of living. Gen Z (born after the Y) will have to deal with a lot of change and be adaptive, and will subsequently end up being skilled in resilience. Generation Alpha, coming next, are the first group who will be immersed in technology their entire lives. In the next 20 years, this new generation Alpha (born between 2010-2025) will emerge in the public space. It is estimated that among others, this generation will live longer, stay in education longer and be more technologically skilled compared to the previous ones. The EU will need to monitor and ensure that its policies are fit for this and other future generations. What about the COVID generation, who have experienced being home-schooled and social isolation? It is likely that it will be different growing up in a post-pandemic world. How can we support them as they grow up in this new world?

Signals of change: Business Insider, Forbes, Time, IDEO

Let’s learn

We see that the world is yearning for change and different generations have to deal with different situations. Jobs of the future will look different than they do today. Lifelong learning is being stressed for all. Young people need to be taught how to learn – and in this way they can adapt and keep up with the times - and stay in employment!

Signals of change: LifeComp, Education week, Finish National Board of Education, Irmeli Halinen

Interesting questions

What might this trend imply, what should we be aware of, what could we study in more depth? Some ideas:

• Are we listening to what younger generations have to say and what they need?

• Can we find structural ways of integrating the voices of the next generation in policymaking?

• What can we do to ensure that the next generations can look forward to a bright future?