The global challenges of our time – climate change, humanitarian crises, issues of fundamental rights and Switzerland’s relations with the EU – affect young people in particular. Nevertheless, their perspectives are often ignored in international decision-making processes.
Why is this a problem?
This not only leads to frustration and a feeling of powerlessness, but also increases political apathy among young people. At the same time, many young people in Switzerland face additional hurdles when it comes to getting involved in politics. Factors such as level of education or socioeconomic status make it particularly difficult for disadvantaged young people to access political processes. Yet they are the ones who will be living with the effects of global developments such as migration, technological transformation or international conflicts for the longest. It is precisely these issues that are often perceived as complex and elitist, which makes access even more difficult for young people in particular. The result is growing uncertainty and a distance from foreign policy – even though its decisions will have a decisive impact on the future of this generation. Young people must be able to make their voices heard better.
That’s why Unmute! – strengthens your voice in public debates on foreign policy. To do this, foraus gives young people the tools to play an active part in building a fairer and more sustainable world.
What Unmute! does:
Unmute! supports young changemakers to strengthen and effectively use their skills in political engagement. They learn how much foreign policy affects their daily lives. This realisation encourages them to express and put on paper their political recommendations and ideas. Unmute! reflects the diversity of young voices on global issues. At the same time, it motivates and supports young people to make a difference at a local level. For example, in cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Bern and St. Gallen, volunteers are organising participatory events that make forward-looking issues accessible to the general public.
Our methodology:
- Strengthening skills: Unmute! provides practical knowledge and promotes exchange within a diverse network.
- Encourage participation: Through low-threshold opportunities, the project appeals to young people who have previously had little contact with foreign policy.
- Community and wider impact: From blog articles to panel discussions, Unmute! creates platforms to make young perspectives visible.
Unmute! is a follow-up project to the Impact Academy.
This project is made possible thanks to financial support from the federal government under the Child and Youth Promotion Act (KJFG) and the Wegweiser Foundation.
