Engage young people in political process, FNC member says

TOKYO // Failure to engage young people in the political process could leave them isolated and without a voice, a member of the Federal National Council has said.

Faisal Al Teneiji, told the Inter-Parliamentary Union Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Tokyo that the risks of failing to create a political environment that is more representative, open, transparent and accountable should not be underestimated.

He warned of the risks of isolation and discontent, which might result in young people becoming less interested in the democratic process.

“We are all aware of this critical situation and the urgent need for the youth to participate,” he said, according to the state news agency, Wam. “It is a matter that requires significant efforts and focus more than any time before.”

“Individuals may not engage in this process if they feel their vote has no value and if they think politicians don’t represent them. Isolation of youth may result in mistrust, and more violence and conflicts.”

The IPU conference in Tokyo brings together young members of parliament from around the world to identify solutions to key global issues that heavily impact youth.

More than 220 young parliamentarians, including 69 women, will attend the IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians at the Japanese parliament, the National Diet. The conference concludes on May 28.

Statistics presented at the conference showed that young people are suffering a disproportionate and worsening impact in the global financial and economic crisis, and are significantly more likely than the rest of the adult population to be unemployed.

IPU figures showed that last year, just 1.7 per cent of the world’s MPs were aged under 30.