Latest news with #youthEngagement
The Guardian
7 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
It's not Denmark's children who can't handle debating Gaza. It's our politicians
In Denmark, we like to think of ourselves as being in the vanguard of freedom of expression. We were the first country in the world to legalise pornography. We insisted on the right to publish caricatures of the prophet Muhammad. Rather than marginalise so-called rightwing populists in parliament, we invited them in to political cooperation. We pride ourselves on being unafraid of controversy and we're good at making authorities who try to tell us what to do – and especially what not to do – look ridiculous. Danes also like to think of our country as a role model for democracy. As such, the national elections for children aged 13 to 16 are a cherished tradition, considered a part of civic education and a preparation for democratic participation. All schools are invited to take part in the exercise, which is held every other year. Students debate 20 issues for three weeks before casting votes for the parties that are also eligible to stand in real general elections. Over the past few weeks, however, the national school elections have been dragged into controversy after the decision to ban one theme from the list of issues for the 2026 vote: the question of Palestine. Should Denmark recognise Palestine as a sovereign state? This specific question is arguably a defining issue of our time and one that mobilises political engagement among young voters. Excluding it is a remarkable act, which has been attacked from the left and right of the political spectrum. This is the opposite of properly preparing young people for Danish democracy, critics say, and goes against what we as a nation stand for. The decision was announced by the speakers of parliament and justified by the two parties that have led Danish governments for the past 30 years: the Social Democrats and the Liberal party. The issue was simply too explosive for classroom deliberations, they argued, and risked placing youngsters from minority groups in very uncomfortable situations. Moreover, it risked giving pupils a bad experience of democracy; this issue was too complex for them to be able to relate to meaningfully. What's revealing here is that the same parties would normally support an understanding of democracy that puts the freedom of controversial deliberation and offensive exchange above the protection of minority sensitivity and public order. Culturally, this is the Danish model of democracy: we're tolerant towards verbal intolerance when it comes to political discourse about Islam and immigration; we're sceptical of liberal superegos who want to protect minority feelings and public order. But when it comes to Israel and Palestine, the governing parties promote an understanding of democracy that sets personal sensitivities and public order above free speech and the right to offend. This really is remarkable. When it comes to substantial complexity, it seems beyond dispute that the mechanisms driving the climate crisis, for instance, are harder to grasp than whether Palestinian statehood should be recognised. The real explanation seems obvious. It's not the schoolkids who can't handle the Palestine question – it's the governing parties that are projecting their own failures on to Danish pupils and want to avoid it and all the other questions that addressing it would inevitably provoke: the war in Gaza, Danish arms exports, the tension between Denmark's alliances with the US and Israel and our obligations towards liberal institutions and the human rights of Palestinians. They seem to enjoy talking about the war in Ukraine, because little Denmark supports the country invaded by its bigger and more powerful neighbour. We unequivocally support the liberal order and international law against the aggressor. Morally, our engagement in Ukraine reveals Denmark as the country we want to be. But our complicity in the war crimes being perpetrated in Gaza reveals us as the nation we've become but can't defend. Sign up to This is Europe The most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment after newsletter promotion The Palestinian question therefore exposes a scandalous flaw in our current order. If the Russian army were doing to Ukrainians what the Israeli army is doing to the Palestinians of Gaza or in the West Bank, our prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, would be publicly outraged. But she gives the impression of speaking of the suffering of Palestinians only when forced to by circumstances, the agenda or direct questions about it. Frederiksen has repeatedly called the situation in Gaza 'tragic' and a 'humanitarian disaster'. However, she speaks of the suffering of the Palestinians as if we were innocent bystanders. Yet the Danish government has significant levers it could pull to hold the extremist government in Israel to account. It has just generally chosen not to. Despite its pride in its democratic credentials, Denmark has not initiated a renegotiation of the formal agreement that makes the EU Israel's biggest trading partner. The Danish government last month supported a review of EU-Israel ties, but it has not suggested sanctions against specific Israeli politicians or Israel as a state and it has not recognised Palestinian statehood, as Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have already done. Instead, our government continues to allow Danish weapons manufacturers to supply Israel, either indirectly through the US or directly, with spare parts for the F-35 bombers that the Israel Defense Forces deploy in Gaza. This despite our leaders knowing it violates EU rules, which mandate an obligation to deny the export of military equipment if there's a 'clear risk' that it might be used to commit war crimes. A citizens' petition demanding that Denmark end all direct and indirect weapons exports to Israel has gathered more than 50,000 signatures. Last week it was brought to the floor of parliament. But the debate made it clear yet again that a broad consensus puts the security alliance with the US above human rights in Gaza. We're assisting war crimes in Israel while mobilising against them in Ukraine. Our government seems tacitly to accept Palestinians' suffering as collateral damage of a foreign policy that's in ruins anyway because it is based on an alliance that the US is disengaging from. Denmark is basically sending arms to a bully and then mourning the consequences of them being used. It is, in this context, revealing that our leaders don't want our schoolchildren to discuss the recognition of the Palestinian state as part of their education – because they can't handle it themselves. Our elected representatives don't want our democracy to expose their failure in the moral scandal of the west in the 21st century. For schoolgoers this controversy is a valuable, if unintended, introduction to democracy. They've learned how those in power will always try to define the agenda and limits of democratic participation. It also shows that what young people talk about matters. It can be a way of mobilising the best in our democracy against the worst and of building their power as future voters. And hopefully, the missing question will be the most debated in Denmark's schools in the coming year. Rune Lykkeberg is editor-in-chief of the Danish newspaper Information
Arab News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Trump visit a long-overdue recognition of Gulf's transformation
US President Donald Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar last week was significant not only for the sake of business deals and showcasing diplomatic engagement, but also for bringing long-overdue recognition to a region that is going through a tremendous transformation. While some may focus solely on the business aspects, Trump's public acknowledgement of their progress sends a vital message that change in these traditionally conservative, Muslim nations is not only possible, but it is happening before our eyes. Since Trump's 2017 visit to Saudi Arabia during his first term, all the Gulf countries, not just the Kingdom, have made remarkable progress. The economic growth, technological advancements, business development, innovation, gradual yet meaningful emergence of youth leadership, increased participation of women in society, and the region's growing engagement on the global stage are all a testament to the progress occurring in the region. For instance, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is a comprehensive progressive agenda that is reimagining the Kingdom's future in the most transformative way. Since its announcement, the country has witnessed sweeping changes — women are becoming an integral part of the reform, participating in sports and holding leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. While some challenges remain, the pace and breadth of these reforms are simply undeniable. Similarly, the UAE has positioned itself as the region's leader in innovation, space exploration, renewable energy and now artificial intelligence. It was the first Arab nation to send a probe to Mars and has built a world-class ecosystem for startups and global business. Anyone visiting the UAE for the first time gets the feeling that they have travelled into the year 2050, with all the cutting-edge technology integrated into daily life. Beyond just the skyscrapers and sprawling city skylines, there is also a sense of safety, a thriving business environment and a growing economy, which reflects a country that is moving at an unstoppable pace. Since Trump's 2017 visit, all the Gulf countries, not just the Kingdom, have made remarkable progress Adela Raz Qatar, for its part, successfully hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its modern and forward-looking image to billions of people around the world despite the scrutiny it faced. It is increasingly active in global diplomacy and is positioning itself as a trusted mediator and peacemaker in regional conflicts. The notable changes across the Gulf region are supported by the vast numbers of students returning after years living and studying abroad. Significant numbers of Saudi and Emirati students have been studying at universities across the globe, the majority of whom are supported by government-sponsored scholarships. These years abroad plant important seeds of change. But real change can only take root when paired with leadership that has a clear vision and places trust in its youth, recognizing their potential as a critical driver of national development. In addition, the way these countries present themselves in international organizations such as the UN displays great openness, confidence and clarity. Their evolving policies and positions signal a genuine commitment to progress and reform, and are clearly visible both through multilateral engagement and on the ground. However, despite all these positive changes, there has still been skepticism. In Washington and beyond, the instinctive reaction is to question the sincerity and sustainability of these reforms. The Gulf states are usually seen through the outdated lenses of oil wealth, conservatism and authoritarianism. The progress and changes they have been making are too often dismissed as cosmetic or strategically self-serving. The assumption that these countries are incapable of genuine reforms or that they are somehow incompatible with modernity has long overshadowed their efforts, raising questions about their authenticity and sustainability. But this progress is also consequential, not only for the countries themselves but for the broader Muslim world. The way these countries present themselves in international organizations displays great openness, confidence and clarity Adela Raz Today, when radical Islam remains a threat exploited by extremists to advance divisive and isolating agendas, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar offer a different vision, one of balance and coexistence. This is extremely important for those Muslim nations struggling to reconcile faith with the demands of the 21st century. They have shown leadership and a willingness to support those eager to move away from radicalism. A notable example of this is Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia last week, when he met with the Syrian leadership, a meeting facilitated by the Kingdom. His announcement of the lifting of sanctions was a major and welcomed development. Saudi Arabia's facilitation to help Syria reintegrate into the regional fold with an emphasis on rejecting extremism in favor of stability and peace reflects the direction these countries are advocating. Trump's visit, and the accompanying media coverage, helped to lift the long-hanging curtain of doubt and skepticism. His public acknowledgement that these reforms are being driven from within is very important. It affirmed something that many in the region have long been waiting for: respect for their agency. It is also important to stress that such recognition should not be dismissed as political rhetoric or folded into domestic critiques of Trump. It is time for the international community to recognize it not with suspicion, but rather with the respect it deserves. Such acknowledgment and recognition may well contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of the progress that is underway and help to amplify a story that the region is very eager to share with the world.
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Local high schooler designs Allegheny County's "I voted n'at" sticker
A Mt. Lebanon High School student has been seen all over Allegheny County — at least her artwork. If you voted and were handed an "I voted n'at!" sticker, the sticker you got was designed by her. Last winter, Molly Bozick entered an Allegheny County contest. On Tuesday, her design made its debut. "So, where did the design idea come from?" KDKA-TV's Barry Pintar reports. "So I wanted to combine the traditional aspects, like the red, white and blue, "I voted," with something unique to Allegheny County and Pittsburgh and I thought a lot about different symbols of our city. So I had like bridges, inclines, Heinz Ketchup, and ultimately, I decided on Pittsburgh-ese, 'n'at,' and then the Pittsburgh colors too." (Photo: KDKA) Voters had 10 finalists to choose from, and over 13,000 votes were cast. "I think it's good for youth to be involved in elections and voting and that sort of thing and I think this brings out that interest," said voter Lisa Locasto. While there was no prize money, Bozick says the competition has made her think more about voting in the future when she's old enough. "It's definitely given me more insight into local elections, because usually people just think about national stuff, like what's going on with the president and Congress and stuff, but I feel like, especially local stuff and counties, it's really important," she said. Bozick says she doesn't want to go into politics, but she may want to go into law.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Metro Detroit youth speak on election of Pope Leo XIV
As the world learned of Pope Leo XIV's election as the first American pope, Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger spoke of the need to listen to the youth to determine the church's future direction. "I really believe that people, especially teenagers and those in their 20s, are taking a hard look at the world that they're living in, and they're asking questions and they're wanting something more," said Weisenburger. At Divine Child Catholic School in Dearborn, Michigan, students spent that day preparing for a significant change: the first new pontiff in many of their lifetimes. From learning about each of the 133 cardinals who were in the conclave to trying to guess who would get the top job, Mary Wilkerson, director of campus ministry, says the atmosphere was unlike anything she had ever seen. "It actually makes it seem a little more realistic when you have somebody that has your same life experiences," said Wilkerson. Sophomores Margaret Jorgenson and Raquel Wright say seeing Pope Leo XIV step up to the pulpit made them excited to see how their voices could potentially make a difference. "Everybody has great ideas, and especially the youth, kind of know how to reach out to other kids, especially through social media. And I think we can kind of harness, like all the new technologies that we have," said Jorgenson. "Not even just talking and like talking to them, but talking with them, and really thinking about how we're going to grow up to because we're not always going to be the youth, and how we're going to play a part in the church," said Wright. Juniors Paul Bagazinski and Ania Elsey say learning about the pope's beginnings may encourage other children to find new ways to connect and get more involved. "Hearing about his family and his interests, it's just something that I feel like we haven't really seen before, and it just like feels more connected," said Bagazinski. "It makes me think, if I did something so small as becoming a priest, I could eventually become a bishop and then the pope, like it's not that far away," said Elsey. Wilkerson says she hopes more young people are inspired to learn more about the church and feel encouraged to share their concerns and wishes for this new era of leadership. "They are the church right now, with the energy and the enthusiasm that our church needs," said Wilkerson.
Times of Oman
12-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman Internship Fair announces results and plans for 2026
Muscat: The Advisory Board of the Oman Internship Fair convened this week to review the performance, outcomes, and lessons learned from the inaugural edition of the fair, which took place earlier this year. The event brought together over 350 interns and 60 participating companies, establishing it as one of the most comprehensive platforms for internship placement and youth-employer engagement in the Sultanate. To date, approximately 85 interns have been selected from 247 shortlisted interns. Feedback surveys were distributed to both companies and student participants, with data currently being collated and will be updated. The Oman Internship Fair 2025 was successfully held on April 21st at the Diplomatic Club. It was proudly presented by Europcar Oman, powered by the Oman American Business Council (OABC), and delivered in partnership with The Diplomatic Club, with strategic partners the British Business Forum (BBF) and INMECC, supported by Crowe, and in collaboration with leading academic institutions including Arab Open University, German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), and Majan University College. The Advisory Board includes: Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar Oman & Bahrain Rebecca Olson, CEO of the Oman American Business Center (OABC) Charm Majolica, Director of the Diplomatic Club Maggie Jeans, Founding Director of the British Business Forum (BBF) Davis Kallukaran, Managing Partner of Crowe Oman and Director of INMECC Dr. Kabaly P Subramanian, PhD, FCMI (UK), CMBE (UK), Senior Member IEEE (US), Dean, Faculty of Business Studies, Arab Open University Dr. Fatima El Madkouri, Head of Registration & Student Affairs, German University of Technology in Oman Dr. Ramalingam Dharmalingam, Assistant Professor, Faculty of IT, Majan University College Each Advisory Board member expressed optimism about the long-term potential of the initiative: 'This fair wasn't just an event—it was the beginning of a movement to bridge academia and industry,' said Nitin Sapre, Europcar Oman & Bahrain CEO. 'We're proud to be part of a platform that tangibly advances the career journeys of young Omanis.' Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC, shared 'At a follow up meeting to go over the event's results, the Executive Board learned of Omani students who had already received multiple offers from companies. This is just what we were hoping for, and we at OABC can't wait to be part of next year's event.' Charm Majolica, Director of the Diplomatic Club, added, 'This was a showcase of how cross-sector collaboration can generate impact, especially for youth development in Oman.' 'We now have a framework we can build on,' stated Maggie Jeans, Founding Director of BBF. 'The data from this fair will inform stronger, more targeted efforts in the next edition.' Davis Kallukaran, Managing Partner at Crowe and INMECC Director, remarked, 'Eighty five interns placed is a strong start. With feedback and follow-up, we can double that impact next year.' Looking ahead, the Oman Internship Fair 2026 is already being planned and is scheduled to take place in the last week of January 2026. The organizers aim to expand the platform further with greater university engagement, improved employer matching tools, and ongoing support for interns and companies post-placement. The advisory board will continue to monitor progress, with a follow-up report to be released later this year.
