Youth engagement on antibiotic resistance

Youth, typically aged 15–24 (or up to 35 in some contexts), bring energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives for addressing global challenges like antibiotic resistance. Engaging youth in antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) efforts can foster innovative solutions and empower them to drive lasting public health impact.

What is youth engagement?

Youth engagement is the active, meaningful, and empowered involvement of young people in decision-making processes, community actions and initiatives. It creates spaces where young voices are heard, valued and acted upon, and also fosters partnerships that recognize youth as key agents of change.

The role of youth in the antibiotic resistance response

Youth face serious risks from antibiotic resistance, such as health inequalities and economic strain. With over half the global population under 30, young people have the potential to shape a future where antibiotic resistance is effectively managed. Despite their proven leadership in areas like climate action and social justice, youth are often excluded from decision-making. Only 2.6% of parliamentarians globally are under 30, with less than 1% being young women. All in all this highlights the need for greater inclusion.

Why youth engagement matters?

Young people already drive change in global health through activism in for example climate action, road safety, and mental health. Their efforts – such as global climate strikes, youth-led road safety campaigns, and mental health advocacy – have influenced policies, strengthened awareness, and improved access to resources. In other words, by mobilizing communities, pushing for stricter regulations and challenging stigmas they continue to shape a healthier and safer future for all.

Principles of meaningful youth engagement

Effective youth engagement builds on these key pillars:

• Participation and involvement: Youth actively participate in planning and decision-making processes.
• Empowerment: Youth access the necessary tools and knowledge to influence outcomes.
• Collaboration and partnership: Partnerships between youth and key stakeholders ensure mutual respect and shared objectives.
• Diversity and inclusion: Diversity in age, gender, culture and abilities is embraced.
• Relevant activities: Activities align with youth interests and global health priorities.
• Mentorship and guidance: Support is provided to ensure sustained engagement and growth.

Roger Hart’s ladder of participation is a framework to assess youth involvement based on eight ascending levels, ranging from manipulation to true collaboration. It helps organizations evaluate if young people are genuinely included in decision-making or if their participation is merely symbolic..

How to engage youth meaningfully in antibiotic resistance initiatives

Youth play a crucial role in antibiotic resistance efforts: They raise awareness, drive leadership, foster innovation and build partnerships. Youth engagement ensures young people are not just beneficiaries but active contributors to sustainable solutions.

The following strategies can support youth to make real contributions to address antibiotic resistance:

• Supportive environment: Foster a safe space for diverse youth voices through inclusive practices such as brainstorming activities or open space discussion. For example: Use sticky notes or anonymous submission through an online platform like menti.
• Decision-making Inclusion: Engage youth in antibiotic resistance policy and strategy discussions. Example: Youth task forces suggesting antibiotic resistance campaigns in schools.
• Mentorship opportunities: Connect youth with human and animal health, agricultural and environmental (One Health) experts in order to guide research and advocacy. For example: A mentorship initiative that connect young healthcare trainees with experienced experts, providing hands-on guidance in developing community outreach campaigns on antibiotic resistance.
• Leadership roles: Youth should actively participate in leading positions within antibiotic resistance initiatives, driving campaigns and decision-making processes. Examples: student-led initiatives that link antibiotic resistance to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), the organization of expert-led webinars and advocating for local waste management improvements.
• Skill-building: Offer antibiotic resistance-specific workshops and training such as on responsible antibiotic use, research, or public health communication. Such activities help youth gain knowledge and develop practical skills.
• Technology use: Engage through social media platforms for antibiotic resistance campaigns and other youth-led appealing approaches for initiatives. For example: Use Kahoot! online game as the introduction of an antibiotic resistance Webinar tailored for youth – see more below in resources).
• Collaborative networks: Partner with youth organizations to co-create impactful antibiotic resistance initiatives. For example: Set up government advisory boards for youth input.
• Recognition: Celebrate youth contributions. For example: Through awards or public acknowledgement.
• Active Listening: Integrate youth feedback into antibiotic resistance projects in order to ensure relevance and impact.

Common challenges

Despite best intentions, many organizations struggle to engage young people meaningfully. Specific barriers include:

• Limited access to information: Young people often lack clear guidance on policymaking, advocacy or lobbying processes. As a result, this can leave them feeling unprepared to participate fully.
• Lack of commitment: Superficial or “token” approaches to youth engagement offer little real influence or decision-making power.
• Exclusion from decision-making: Young people are frequently not consulted or included in important decisions that affect them. Many institutions have structures like youth advisory councils but these lack real power and influence in decision-making. Additionally, the absence of explicit youth engagement strategies in policies makes it difficult for young people to find meaningful ways to participate.
• Exploitation of labor: Young individuals are sometimes seen merely as unpaid or low-cost volunteers rather than valued contributors.
• Short-term engagement: Young people might be invited to participate in high-level meetings but not invest in their long-term skill development or support.
• Project cancellations: After investing time and effort, youth may find that projects they contributed to are abruptly cancelled.
• Fear of repercussions: Young people may hesitate to express their opinions or challenge norms because of fear of backlash, especially in environments where dissent is discouraged. That is, this can prevent open dialogue and limit youth participation.

The above issues underscore the need for organizations to develop a genuine, respectful commitment to youth engagement.

Strategies to assess the status of youth engagement

• Conduct surveys and feedback sessions: Use anonymous surveys or focus groups in order to gather insights on how youth perceive their roles, the inclusivity of the environment, and areas for improvement. For example: Ask questions about their satisfaction with involvement opportunities, decision-making roles, and access to skill-building resources.
• Evaluate participation metrics of the youth: Track youth participation rates during meetings, events and initiatives to identify trends and barriers. For example: Analyze attendance and active contributions in discussions or project planning sessions.
• Assess representation in decision-making: Examine if youth are adequately and meaningfully represented in leadership roles, committees, and planning teams. For example: Check if youth representatives are part of critical discussions in the development of the National Action Plan.

Selected Resources