What's Happening?
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is actively engaging young people in its policy-making processes through its Youth Advisory Board, Youthwise. This initiative, supported by the TUI Care Foundation since 2023, brings together
young individuals aged 18 to 30 from OECD member countries, including students, researchers, and youth advocates. A recent workshop in Berlin, held at the Federal Representation of Lower Saxony, focused on youth entrepreneurship and the future of education systems. Participants explored opportunities and barriers for young entrepreneurs and discussed how the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) can be made more relevant and engaging for young people. The insights gathered from these discussions will contribute to ongoing OECD reflections on inclusive entrepreneurship and the future evolution of PISA, with recommendations being shared with OECD education policymakers.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is important because it directly integrates the perspectives of the next generation into international policy discussions that will significantly impact their future. By involving young people in conversations about education, entrepreneurship, and other critical areas, the OECD aims to develop more effective and relevant policies. Policies on education and employment will shape the opportunities available to young people for decades, making their input crucial for creating systems that truly prepare them for a rapidly changing world. The program helps bridge the gap between youth experiences and international policymaking, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by these policies are heard and considered. This engagement can lead to more inclusive and forward-thinking policy frameworks, fostering greater prosperity and opportunity for future generations.
What's Next?
Over their two-year term, the current 2025–2027 Youthwise cohort will continue to contribute to OECD work on various topics, including education and skills, digitalization, the future of tourism, and social inclusion. They will participate in dedicated consultations with OECD experts, contribute to events and panels, co-create written and multimedia content, and connect with youth organizations and leaders internationally. The recommendations developed from the Berlin discussions, particularly concerning PISA, will be shared with OECD education policymakers and contribute to broader discussions on the program's future ahead of its tenth cycle in 2029. The ongoing partnership between the TUI Care Foundation and the OECD aims to strengthen sustained youth participation in international policy discussions, ensuring that young people's experiences and ideas continue to inform critical policy decisions.
Beyond the Headlines
The Youthwise program represents a deeper shift towards more inclusive governance and policy development at an international level. By formally integrating youth perspectives, the OECD acknowledges the ethical imperative to involve those who will live with the long-term consequences of today's policies. This approach can foster greater trust in institutions among younger generations, who often feel disenfranchised from traditional political processes. Furthermore, it highlights the cultural dimension of policy-making, recognizing that diverse lived experiences, particularly those of young people navigating evolving social and economic landscapes, are essential for creating truly effective and equitable solutions. This model could inspire other international bodies and national governments to adopt similar mechanisms for youth engagement, leading to more responsive and representative policy outcomes globally.
