Why Young People Must Build the Future Together

Growing up as a young person in Nigeria, I have come to understand that the experiences of young people may be different, but our dreams are often remarkably similar. We may live in different countries, speak different languages, come from different cultures, or face different social and economic realities, yet many of us share the same aspirations. We want access to quality education. We want opportunities to develop our talents. We want to be heard, respected, included, and given the chance to contribute meaningfully to society.

My own journey has taken me through different educational, leadership, and youth development experiences. From participating in debates and essay competitions to becoming involved in international youth programmes, community projects, and leadership initiatives, I have had the opportunity to meet young people from different backgrounds. These experiences have taught me that our differences should not divide us. Instead, they should help us learn from one another.

One of the greatest challenges facing young people today is the unequal access to opportunities. While some young people have access to technology, quality education, mentorship, and international networks, others are still struggling to access basic educational resources and platforms where their voices can be heard. This difference in circumstances can create a gap between young people, but it does not have to define our future.

I believe that young people have an important role to play in closing this gap. We can begin by supporting one another. A young person who has access to information can share it with someone who does not. Someone who has gained valuable experience can mentor another person who is just starting their journey. Youth organisations and networks can create spaces where young people from different communities can connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas.

My experiences in youth leadership have shown me the power of collaboration. Through initiatives, programmes, and networks that bring young people together, I have seen how a simple idea can become a meaningful project when people work together. Whether it is addressing climate change, promoting gender equality, improving education, encouraging entrepreneurship, or supporting digital inclusion, young people can make a difference when they are given the opportunity to participate.

However, participation must go beyond inviting young people into conversations. Young people must also be trusted with responsibility. We should be given opportunities to lead projects, contribute to decision making, develop solutions, and participate in shaping policies that affect our lives. Youth inclusion should not simply be about having a seat at the table. It should be about having a voice that is heard and valued.

Technology also provides an opportunity to connect young people across borders. A young person in Nigeria can learn from someone in Australia, collaborate with someone in Pakistan, or share ideas with someone in the United Kingdom. Digital platforms have made it possible for young people to build communities that would have been difficult to create in the past. Yet we must also recognise the digital divide and work towards ensuring that young people who are excluded from these opportunities are not left behind.

As we celebrate International Youth Day 2026, I believe the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” reminds us of something important. Our circumstances may be different, but our hopes are connected. The young person seeking quality education, the young entrepreneur looking for support, the young activist advocating for equality, and the young leader working to improve their community are all part of the same global story.

The future we want will not be built by young people working in isolation. It will be built through solidarity, collaboration, inclusion, and a willingness to learn from our differences. We must continue to create platforms where young people can connect across borders, share their experiences, and support one another.

Our different contexts should never become barriers to our common aspirations. Instead, they should become sources of strength. If we choose to stand together, support one another, and turn our ideas into action, we can create a future where every young person has the opportunity to learn, lead, contribute, and thrive.

The world does not only need young people to dream about a better future. It needs us to work together to build it.

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

Obika Samuel Chinonso is a Science Laboratory Technology student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a strong passion for youth leadership, advocacy, education, innovation, and sustainable development. He has participated in several national and international youth initiatives and has represented Nigeria through various youth focused platforms. He is a member of the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network and has served in leadership roles across student and youth organisations, including the United Nations Youth Association of Nigeria and the Commonwealth Student Association.

Obika is a KECTIL colleague, Aspire Leaders Program alumnus, LEAP Africa Ambassador, WIPO intern, and participant in several global leadership and development programmes. He has also served as a team lead for community development projects and has received recognitions for leadership, academic excellence, debate, intellectual achievement, and community impact.

His commitment to youth empowerment is driven by a belief that young people, despite differences in their backgrounds and circumstances, share common aspirations for opportunity, inclusion, dignity, and a better future. He is passionate about using education, leadership, and collaboration to create meaningful opportunities for young people and contribute to positive change in his community and beyond.