Youth to G7: We’re Not Just the Future. We’re the Present.

by Justin R. Langan

In May, youth representatives from G7 nations gathered in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, to present their official Youth 7 (Y7) Summit communiqué, an official message sent between people or to a media outlet. The world needs to listen to their message, which declares that young people will not accept broken systems as their inheritance. We need both a voice and a position at the decision-making table to shape our future (Y7 Communiqué, Introduction).

Like many, I did not attend the Y7 meeting, but I have studied their entire communiqué. The new generation stands prepared to guide global leaders toward better decisions through innovative leadership. The Y7 priorities directly address the fundamental challenges that Commonwealth youth face, particularly those living in Indigenous, rural, and underserved communities.

A Digital World That Needs Guardrails

The digital technology track of the Y7 presents a survival plan for our online generation. The communiqué demands fundamental changes to address disinformation, cyberbullying, and exploitative design practices through algorithmic accountability and data ownership (Y7 Communiqué, Track 1, Pillars 1 & 2). The document supports both digital literacy education and inclusive AI governance systems (Track 1, Pillars 2 & 3).

The G7 must take action to prevent the digital future from emerging through youth data exploitation and underrepresented community exclusion. The Y7 correctly demands that leaders establish safety, education, and equity as fundamental AI and tech policy principles (Track 1, Pillar 3).

A Green Transition That Includes Us

The communiqué clearly states that we must uphold the Paris Agreement while divesting from fossil fuels and empowering youth-led climate solutions (Y7 Communiqué, Track 3, Pillar 1). The communiqué demands the creation of regional learning hubs that unite climate education with training for green jobs (Track 3, Pillar 3).

The communiqué establishes a vital connection between the climate crisis and justice by demanding Indigenous consultation in energy development restrictions on deep-sea mining and action against environmental racism (Track 3, Pillars 1 & 2). These matters extend beyond ecological concerns because they represent fundamental human rights issues.

The Economic Struggle Youth Know Too Well

The Y7’s advocacy for structured job pathways, youth mobility programs, and skill-aligned education remains crucial because youth unemployment persists at high levels throughout numerous Commonwealth regions (Y7 Communiqué, Track 2, Pillar 2). The G7 common labour market initiative represents a fundamental requirement to eliminate obstacles that prevent young people from accessing opportunities.

The report’s recommendations about trade-specific education, remote work frameworks, and economic justice for gig workers particularly interested me because I work with young Indigenous entrepreneurs (Track 2, Pillars 2 & 3). The future work environment needs to benefit all people instead of only providing advantages to those with power.

Peace, Security, and the Power of Youth Leadership

The Y7 communiqué dedicates substantial space to youth participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution by demanding that G7 nations establish the Youth Peace and Security agenda (Y7 Communiqué, Track 4, Pillar 1). This position represents a strong stance that also needs to be taken. Youth members already lead the charge in advocacy, community resilience, and anti-hate initiatives. Youth work remains invisible or unsustainable because it lacks resources, political support, and protective measures.

The communiqué broadens peace and security understanding by including the daily community destabilizing structural injustices which extend from conflict mineral regulation to climate-related security risks (Track 4, Pillar 2).

Why This Matters for Commonwealth Youth

The G7 membership of seven countries produces worldwide effects, primarily affecting young people from both the Global South and the Commonwealth nations. The Y7 communiqué demonstrates that our voices must participate in discussions despite the lack of official table participation (Y7 Communiqué, Introduction).

Commonwealth youth members face identical difficulties, which include disinformation, job insecurity, ecological damage, and exclusion from worldwide decision-making processes. The Y7 recommendations serve as a model that the G7 and every nation seeking to create sustainable, inclusive futures should adopt (All Tracks, Y7 Communiqué).

We’re Watching. And We’re Organizing.

The G7 needs to treat this communiqué as more than a courtesy read because it presents a challenge. These recommendations aren’t symbolic. They present specific strategic plans that reflect the actual experiences of young people worldwide.

Young people observe our actions regardless of whether we participate in the negotiation process. We’re building movements, connecting across borders, and holding leaders accountable for their actions from the present day rather than waiting until ten years pass (Y7 Communiqué, Conclusion).

Justin Langan is an internationally lauded LGBTQ+ Indigenous activist residing in Ottawa, Canada. He specializes in youth empowerment, sustainability, and humanitarianism. Justin is the Executive Director of O’KANATA, holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Manitoba, and is committed to integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern solutions to create sustainable, community-driven change.