In this episode,The Future is Now: Youth, Civic Power and Sustainable Democracy, John Stuart explores how empowering youth is essential to building a sustainable democracy. Drawing on sustainability principles, real-world research and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, John reveals how SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) can be used as powerful methods for promoting civic engagement. From viewing democracy as an interconnected ecosystem to applying regenerative design thinking, this conversation offers practical strategies for equipping young people with the knowledge, agency and access they need to shape the future. The takeaway is clear: the health of our democracy depends on ensuring the next generation’s voices are not only heard, but built into the foundation of our institutions.
References
Ballard, P. J., Hoyt, L. T., & Pachucki, M. C. (2018). Impacts of adolescent and young adult civic engagement on health and socioeconomic status in adulthood. Child Development, 90(4), 1138–1154. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12998
Paat, Y.-F., Garcia Tovar, D., Myers, N. W., Orezzoli, M. C. E., Giangiulio, A. M., Ruiz, S. L., Dorado, A. V., & Torres-Hostos, L. R. (2025). Leveraging an arts-based approach to foster engagement, nurture kindness, and prevent violence. Behavioral Sciences, 15(6), 799. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15060799
Seider, S., Clark, S., & Graves, D. (2019). The development of critical consciousness and its relation to academic achievement in adolescents of color. Child Development, 91(2), e451–e474. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13262
Sherman, D. J., & Montgomery, D. R. (2023). Environmental science and sustainability (2nd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
Nestor, M. A., & Samuel, S. A. (n.d.). Youth activists are now real agents of change at global climate summits. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/youth-activists-are-now-real-agents-of-change-at-global-climate-summits-232123
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