Growing concerns over declining trust in institutions, digital misinformation, and uneven political participation have prompted young people to step forward as champions of transparency, civic responsibility, and inclusive policymaking.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that, regrettably, youth in many parts of the world were still not treated as equal participants in the political process.

This, he said, fuelled negative perceptions of governments as being out of touch and unable to respond effectively to today’s critical challenges.

“The recent wave of Gen Z protests in several countries has made it clear that the will of young people is no longer insignificant, and that their emphasis on good governance has grown.

“They are equally concerned about climate change, economic inequality, and human rights violations. It is therefore encouraging to see youth driving policy initiatives to effect change in these areas,” he said in a special lecture at the Afro–Malaysia Youth Forum here today.

He said the rise of Global South economies presented both responsibilities and opportunities to shape global governance towards a more inclusive international order.

“But we must not wait for change to happen around us. We must be the architects of that change. And by we, I mean you — the youth of today and of the future. Who else could be the best and most effective agents of change but the youth?” he said.

Anwar said that in key areas of global governance and social progress, young people could push for more inclusive structures that prioritise their voices in decision-making processes.

He added that youth everywhere, including in Malaysia, were adept at digital tools and technology, using them to champion greater participatory democracy and to remind those in power of the imperatives of transparency and accountability.

“Young people are the drivers of change, and society should harness their energy, creativity, and determination. This global phenomenon should serve as a wake-up call for governments worldwide to improve the way business is conducted and to respond more meaningfully to the needs of youth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar said Southeast Asia and Africa were well placed to strengthen long-standing ties grounded in trade, people-to-people exchanges, and shared ideals of anti-colonialism and non-alignment.

“We must build bridges — through bilateral partnerships, collaboration between Asean and the African Union, and coordinated action on multilateral platforms. Whatever the form, our cooperation must be founded on principle and guided by purpose.

“Asean–African Union relations must move beyond symbolism and take shape through genuine, people-centred cooperation.

“While existing frameworks and initiatives offer a strong foundation, both regions must be more proactive in building mechanisms based on shared priorities — rooted in our own experiences of resilience, reform, and renewal,” he said.