Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Misk Global Youth Survey 2023, conducted by the Misk Foundation, reveals critical insights into the mindset of today's youth and their perspectives on social change.

With a sample of 18,000 young people from 20 countries, the survey offers a comprehensive view of the hopes, fears, and aspirations of the younger generation.

One of the most striking findings of the survey is the high level of concern for mental health among youth.

About 25% of the respondents ranked mental health as their top social concern, indicating a growing awareness and prioritization of mental well-being in the younger generation.

This finding underscores the need for policymakers and social leaders to focus more on mental health resources and support for young people.

The survey also highlights a significant gap between youth and current leaders in terms of trust and understanding.

Many young respondents expressed a lack of trust in traditional institutions, suggesting disconnect between the aspirations of the youth and the priorities of current leadership.

This trust gap points to the necessity of more inclusive and youth-centric policies and decision-making processes.

Another key aspect revealed by the survey is the discrepancy in the skills valued by leaders versus those possessed by the youth.

Many young people feel that their skills and competencies are not adequately recognized or utilized by current leaders.

This mismatch suggests that there is a need for leaders to reassess their perception of youth capabilities and to provide more opportunities that align with the unique skills and interests of the younger generation.

The role of technology and role models in shaping youth activism is another critical area highlighted by the survey.

Young people are increasingly using digital platforms to express their views and drive social change.

The influence of role models, both in the digital and physical realms, is profound in shaping the aspirations and actions of young people.

The Misk Foundation's survey underscores the importance of bridging the gap between the aspirations of the youth and the perceptions of leaders.

It calls for a stronger dialogue between generations and better support structures to enable young people to contribute effectively to social change.

Institutions are encouraged to play a more supportive role in nurturing and harnessing the potential of young people.

In conclusion, the Misk Global Youth Survey 2023 provides valuable insights into the minds of the youth, highlighting the need for a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive approach from leaders and institutions.

The findings of this survey are a call to action for all stakeholders in society to engage more actively with the younger generation and to work collaboratively towards a future that resonates with their aspirations and values.