Abby Finkenauer: Conversations for Better Future
Exclusive interview with the U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues on youth empowerment, the importance of cross-cultural conversations, and public service.
“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” – Nelson Mandela
In 1990, South African leader Nelson Mandela made this timeless statement during a visit to a high school in Boston, USA. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning political activist delivered a speech to a group of students, urging them to focus on learning, emphasizing the role of education in creating a better future for youth.
According to United Nations estimates, the global youth population aged 10 to 24 stands at a staggering 1.8 billion. With over 50% of the world’s population under 30, these numbers represent an unprecedented demographic shift in human history. When Mandela made his famous statement, he referred to the problem of school dropout rates among American youth. However, the biggest challenge for their peers in other countries may be simply obtaining a quality education or even finding a school.
Challenges like unemployment and unequal access to healthcare are urgent and demand immediate attention. The younger generation often faces additional hurdles based on their geographical location, including violence, wars, and challenging economic conditions.
These challenges place enormous responsibilities on governments to support their youth by investing in education and healthcare and setting policies and strategies that enable them to build a future aligned with their aspirations and capabilities.
Such efforts should give youth opportunities to contribute to their countries’ economic development. To achieve this, young people must overcome a crucial challenge: participating in decisions that shape their future. In most countries worldwide, youth representation in decision-making and leadership roles at the political level still needs to be improved.
How can we bring about change? Can young people make a meaningful impact if given the opportunity? How can we empower them? These are the questions that we asked Abby Finkenauer, the
U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues, during her visit to Doha, where she met with a group of students who took part in a student exchange program under the Middle East Partnership Initiative.
Finkenauer, only 35, has had a long and inspiring career in public service, politics, and diplomacy. Her role as the official representative for the Office of Global Youth Issues has allowed her to meet young people from around the world, listen to their stories, aspirations, and dreams, and understand the challenges they face.
Every Global Issue is a Youth Issue
Finkenauer firmly believes that every global issue is a youth issue. Whether it is education, climate change, unemployment, or any other issue, they have a crucial role, and their voices must be heard in all these matters. They are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, but also the driving force of today.
“Every single voice matters. Never underestimate the possibility that one young voice somewhere in the world could make a global impact. I have witnessed this firsthand in many places.
Take climate change as an example. Through my work, I have realized that some of the best ideas to tackle this issue came from young people on the ground rather than governments. To face global challenges, we will not only need the efforts of people from all sectors and fields of expertise to collaborate. The efforts of youth are essential in finding solutions that can save our world,” she says.
Today, social media platforms provide young people with a space to be involved and express themselves, yet there are still obstacles that may make some refrain from sharing their thoughts and ideas. One of the main barriers is the prevalence of hate speech on many platforms. Finkenauer advises young people not to let such acts silence them. Instead, she urges them to use social media as a tool for positive change and to bring people together for constructive goals.
“To encourage young people to step forward and get involved in global issues, and to ensure their voices are heard, we need to make greater efforts to create support networks that keep them safe and provide them with the proper environment for participation. This requires concerted efforts from governments and civil society,” she adds.
Finkenauer was born to a working-class family in Sherrill, a small town in eastern Iowa. She was a voracious reader with a keen interest in global affairs and politics, aspiring to work in public service one day. When her parents noticed this, they continuously supported and encouraged her until she became the first in her family to earn a university degree. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in public relations at Drake University in Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, which allowed her to stay close to her local community while simultaneously pursuing her aspirations and dreams.
In 2015, at the age of 25, she was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives, marking a significant milestone in her political career. Four years later, she became the second youngest woman to join the U.S. House of Representatives and the youngest female to represent Iowa.
Throughout her career, Finkenauer has advocated for crucial issues such as equal pay, public education, infrastructure funding, and voting rights. She also believes that fields like public service, politics, and international relations urgently require more youth participation as their voices can make a tremendous difference. However, she advises those who aspire to succeed in these fields to be driven by a desire to help their communities, rather than seeking fame, prestige, or fancy titles.
“I wanted to do real work that benefits the people I care about. I wanted to give back to my community, my family, and my friends. I also wanted to show young people in small communities that they can see themselves represented in government, participate in public service, and make a positive impact,” she says.
Embrace Change
Young people worldwide face immense pressure when planning their career paths, as the world of work rapidly evolves, largely driven by the huge impact of emerging technologies. While some professions have uncertain futures, new careers and specializations are emerging every year.
Finkenauer believes the best way to guide young people toward career paths that align with their capabilities and ambitions is to ensure they are well-informed about all available career paths and opportunities. Equally important is cultivating a mindset of adaptability, helping them understand that they may need to shift career paths during their professional or educational journey, especially if they discover a field where they believe they can truly excel.
“We need to encourage young people to think creatively and provide them with the right environment to explore other career paths related to their areas of interest. This may require breaking traditional barriers in certain industries, even if they have not seen someone in similar circumstances succeed in them. They should be confident in their ability to be the first to do so, while also understanding that the future career they might excel in may not even exist,” Finkenauer explains.
“I experienced this firsthand. Ending up in the congress at the age of 29 was not a traditional path I could have envisioned at the age of ten, but I just tried to keep taking advantage of opportunities that were put in front of me. I did not necessarily know exactly where they were going to lead, but I knew my why, the reason I was doing it, and so, I continued to learn and grow,” she adds.
The Power of Conversation
Many young people, while interested in specific fields, may lack the knowledge of where to start. Finkenauer advises them to actively seek internships, volunteer experiences, and relevant events or activities to gain exposure and practical experience. She recommends seeking advice and mentorship from experienced professionals in their desired fields.
“If you are passionate about any topic and cannot figure out how you can be involved in it, keep trying to be around it, find people who are already doing what you aspire to do, and start conversations. Ask them questions. Don’t hesitate to seek their guidance and mentorship. You might be surprised at how excited they can be when they share what they know and lift you up or support you. But remember that not everyone you approach is going to be friendly about it or will be willing to share. If that happens, don’t let it discourage you from approaching others,” she says.
Finkenauer understands the value of engaging in meaningful discussions and the importance of young people mastering constructive dialogue with others. Teaching them these skills early on enhances their ability to start conversations and keeps their minds open. Growing up, Finkenauer’s family encouraged her to follow her passions and included her in discussions around the dinner table with family members and friends. They discussed matters ranging from politics to community issues to global affairs. These robust discussions helped shape her drive to pursue a career in politics and taught her the power of conversations.
“I learned that we could have differences, but we can still respect and love each other. This fact stuck with me throughout my entire career and allowed me to work with people who may not agree with everything I believe in, but still willing to find common ground,” she says. The U.S. politician believes that programs that bring together young people from different parts of the world to discuss their local issues are essential for both youth development and global progress.
“Such programs offer young people a chance to engage in meaningful conversations and learn from one another. Interacting with individuals from diverse regions and backgrounds helps break down stereotypes and fosters mutual understanding. I encourage the youth to share their stories and personal experiences because you never know what will resonate or forge a connection. In these exchanges, they often discover common ground. Such conversations are vital for shaping the future and promoting global peace. By continuing to facilitate these dialogues, we can inspire the kind of positive change that truly makes a difference,” she concludes.
* The Office of Global Youth Issues manages and coordinates youth-related programs encompassing a wide range of initiatives aimed at empowering young people worldwide through education, leadership development, and civic engagement. Among these initiatives is the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), which focuses on promoting political, economic, and social reforms in the Middle East and North Africa by supporting civil society organizations, empowering youth and women, and driving economic development through grants, training programs, and partnerships. For more information about the Middle East Partnership Initiative, visit: https://mepi.state.gov/
* To learn about all the programs and initiatives offered by the Office of Global Youth Issues, scan the code: Click Here
