Youth Political Participation at the Movers Programme

On 28th July 2025, I had the enriching opportunity to attend the Movers Programme under the CAYA Fellowship, hosted by UNDP. The session was centred around a timely and powerful theme: Youth Political Participation.

Conducted smoothly by @Mridul Udhaya with the able support of @Bodh Maathura, the workshop provided an engaging and insightful space to reflect on democracy, the Ladder of Participation, and the various avenues and strategies to strengthen youth engagement in political processes.

The discussions focused not only on why youth participation is essential for a vibrant democracy, but also highlighted real-world examples of how young people can influence governance, policy, and public discourse through both formal and informal platforms. A highlight of the session was the two breakout discussions, where I had meaningful exchanges with inspiring fellows from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Maldives. We shared our experiences, challenges, and local perspectives on political inclusion, activism, and civic responsibility. These cross-border conversations were truly eye-opening and fostered a deeper sense of regional solidarity.

Some of my key takeaways included:

• Political participation is not limited to voting it includes advocacy, community engagement, and even digital activism.
  
• Youth voices bring innovation, energy, and accountability to public discourse.
• Structural and cultural barriers exist, but collaboration and awareness can overcome them.

This session left me feeling empowered, informed, and more committed to engaging meaningfully in democratic processes. A big thanks to the Movers team for creating such a thoughtful space for learning and dialogue.