The Digital Blueprint: How Youth Can Learn From The Past To Shape The Future
William Wordsworth once said, "Life is divided into three terms-that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present. and from the present, to live better in the future." History has always shaped the future and undoubtedly, today's youth hold the power to influence tomorrow through digitalisation.
From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development is the theme of International Youth Day, 2024. This emphasizes the need for investing in technology to foster innovation and create solutions as we seek to build a sustainable future. However, there is a need to study the patterns of the past and learn from historical data so as to drive intentional change as we seek to achieve our full potential.
By analyzing past successes and failures, youth can identify underlying principles, accelerate development through rapid prototyping, and prioritise efficiency. The aviation industry exemplfies this approach, where pioneers like the Wright brothers and the challenges of World War I laid the groundwork fro moder aircraft design, safety and efficacy. This pattern is replicated across various fields, from medicine and tech to urban planning, demonstrating the enduring value of learning from history to shape the future.
The student movement of the 1960s stands as a pivotal moment when youthful energy and idealism ignited widespread societal change. This era saw a global uprising against war, inequality, and social injustice. Movements like the Civil Rights Movement, anti-war protests, and the fight for women's liberation were largely spearheaded by young people.
By strategically leveraging media, building networks, and employing non-violent protest, students effectively challenged the status quo on issues like civil rights, war, and inequality. This era offers valuable lessons in grassroots organizing, global consciousness, and the power of media, inspiring contemporary youth movements to create positive impact.
Another good example is The Great Depression which highlighted the fragility of the financial system and the need for economic stability. Governments implemented policies to regulate the banking sector and create safety nets.
Fintech solutions, such as digital banking, mobile payments, and cryptocurrency, address many of the challenges exposed during the Great Depression. They provide greater financial inclusion, improve access to credit, and enhance financial literacy. Moreover, blockchain technology, underpinning cryptocurrencies, offers a decentralized and transparent system, addressing issues of trust and security that plagued traditional banking.
Digitalization has rapidly transformed societies, economies, and cultures. The proliferation of internet connectivity, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence has led to unprecedented access to information, communication, and services.
Youth are the digital natives propelling innovation. Their innate understanding of technology translates into groundbreaking tech startups, revolutionizing industries and addressing societal challenges. Social media has become their platform for activism, amplifying voices, and driving change. This generation’s energy, creativity, and digital fluency are invaluable assets in building a sustainable future.
However, they navigate a complex landscape riddled with misinformation, a digital divide, and limited resources. Yet, their potential to overcome these hurdles and create positive impact is immense. Drawing inspiration from historical movements, they can leverage strategic planning, coalition-building, and digital tools to drive systemic change. There is a need to identify patterns, learn from mistakes, appreciate progress, develop critical thinking, cultivate cultural empathy and draw inspiration from historical figures.
The digital initiatives of the youth hold the key to unlocking sustainable development goals. Imagine a world shaped by young innovators, activists, and leaders. This is our future. Governments and organizations must invest in youth, provide digital literacy, and create an enabling environment for their ideas to flourish. The time to act is now.
