Between Hope and Disillusion: How Young People in Africa and Europe Shape Politics in a Crisis-Ridden World

Event Type
Roundtable Discussion

Location / Date
Bonn, 29.10.2024

IDOS, EADI, University of Bonn, Megatrends Africa

Despite the varying contexts across continents, young people share a joint concern when asked about their problems: the economic situation in their country; particularly unemployment and inequality. In addition, climate change, violent conflicts and the remnants of the COVID 19 pandemic contribute to a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness. However, this sense of hopelessness does not necessarily translate into increased political participation: electoral participation remains lower in young age cohorts, and young people seem increasingly dissatisfied with democracy altogether. Declining trust in political institutions and growing scepticism, combined with a low interest in politics, reflect the current state of democratic apathy that many young people are experiencing.  

In some instances, the apparent disconnect from the political system results in other forms of political expression, such as participation in protests, civic organizations or social movements. Climate activism is one example of engagement outside the formal political system.

This year’s Megatrends lecture, jointly organized by CASSIS/University of Bonn, EADI and Megatrends Afrika (IDOS) discussed political attitudes and participation of young people in Africa and Europe by asking: How do young people act and engage in an era of upheaval? How does the political establishment address young peoples’ concerns, especially in Africa, where young people constitute the biggest electoral group? Are we witnessing new forms of lasting political engagement or do we enter an age of disillusion?

Agenda

Opening remarks

• Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge, Director IDOS & Professor of Global Sustainable Development, University of Bonn

Speakers

• Dr. Michela Franceschelli, University College London
• Sheila Chebet Ronoh, Coventry University
• Dr. Godfred Bonnah Nkansah, Development Advocacy Initiative Africa, Megatrends Afrika Fellow

Moderation

• Dr. Lena Gutheil, Megatrends Afrika, IDOS

Hinweis

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