There’s no denying that young people are the future, but for the most part, they have been left out of the conversation about what they want the future to look like. It is not clear, for instance, the extent to which ‘youth voices’ are incorporated in the ‘Future We Want’ document, which was the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012, and which led to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being promoted nowadays. One can argue that concerns about youth are being addressed in all goals, given that pursuing these goals would no doubt benefit not only the current but future generations too. Yet, one may wonder what the ‘future’ may look like if youth were the ones crafting it.

“Young Futures” is a call to youth around the world, asking them to express their thoughts and ideas about the future of the ocean, the fisheries, the coast, the communities and the society that they are part of. These can be made in various formats, including short video (1-2 minutes), essay, blog post, poem, song, drawing and other artistic expression.

Below are some of the questions and topics that we’re inviting “voices from youth”, but any other points are also welcome.

In the context of oceans, fisheries and coasts worldwide:

• What are the most frustrating things that you see around you?
• What are the most inspiring and encouraging things that should be continued and/or further supported?
• Why is it important to listen to youth?
• Since the future is not only for youth but also up to youth, what would you like to see?
• What do you think needs to be done in order to achieve the Future Youth Want?