Young people are nearly half the population – and 100% of the future
Imagine if the people who’ll live longest with the consequences of climate change had a bigger say in the decisions being made today.
Young people make up around half of the world’s population, but they’re 100% of the future. Yet too often their voices are missing from the decisions that will shape the world they’ll inherit.
That’s exactly what the UK Government’s new Youth Climate and Nature Panel aims to do. The panel will bring together around 15 young people from across the UK to help shape climate and nature policy, share their perspectives directly with decision-makers and inspire wider action.
At Virgin Unite, we believe bringing young people into decision-making isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s essential if we’re going to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Problems that span generations need solutions that do too.
That’s why last year we co-funded the NDC Youth Clause campaign, led by We Are Family Foundation alongside Care About Climate and Mission 2025. The campaign called on governments to meaningfully involve young people in shaping and delivering their national climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The campaign set out to secure commitments in at least 30 climate plans. By February 2026, its principles had been reflected in 47 NDCs across 73 countries, including the UK and all 27 EU Member States.
The UK was the campaign’s first signatory. The launch of the Youth Climate and Nature Panel marks an important step towards turning that commitment into action.
If you’re aged 16 to 18, or know someone who is, we’d encourage you to apply. You can find out more about the Youth Climate and Nature Panel and submit your application here.
Because young people shouldn’t just have a seat at the table. They should help build it.