Writer in residence Angga Dwi Martha urges that intergenerational dialogue is a "strategic imperative" and investment in our shared future
This op-ed was written by Angga Dwi Martha, who was a writer in residence with the Salzburg Global Center for Education Transformation in 2024.
The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment for intergenerational dialogue, especially with the Summit of the Future. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has hailed this summit as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate global action, recommit to fundamental principles, and further develop the frameworks of multilateralism so they are fit for the future."
Held in September 2024, this summit aimed to adopt "A Pact for the Future," a consensus-based document covering five key areas: Sustainable Development and Financing for Development; International Peace and Security; Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Cooperation; Youth and Future Generations; and Transforming Global Governance. Crucially, a strong emphasis across these topics is placed on an intergenerational approach and the meaningful engagement of young people in policymaking and decision-making processes.
This positive trend, gaining momentum since the launch of the UN's "Our Common Agenda" in 2021, reflects the growing recognition that younger generations are essential partners in shaping the world they will inherit. Learning from previous global forums, such as the 2022 Transforming Education Summit and the 2023 SDG Summit, it is clear that fostering meaningful intergenerational dialogues in such multilateral spaces, where all generations learn from each other and work towards shared goals, is not merely an option but a necessity. The challenge lies in ensuring that these positive trends resonate at the local level.
Bridging the Generational Divide
Intergenerational dialogue is not a new concept. Throughout history, societies have relied on the wisdom of elders and the energy of young people to thrive.
In many cultures, storytelling and oral traditions have been the primary means of transmitting knowledge between generations. For instance, in my hometown of Kerinci, Indonesia, intergenerational collaboration is deeply ingrained in our customs and traditions. Gatherings like the "Kenduri Sko" (tribe festival), where elders and young people exchange stories and poems, reinforce the importance of social interaction in decision making. This traditional approach is echoed in various cultures worldwide, highlighting a universal recognition of the value of intergenerational exchange.
However, as societies have become more complex, the need for intentional dialogue has increased. In today's rapidly changing world, generational experiences and perspectives can diverge significantly, and the modern attention span is shorter than ever before. Gloria Mark, a professor of informatics at the University of California, Irvine, notes that the average attention span today is a mere 47 seconds. This decrease, exacerbated by multitasking and digital distractions, underscores the need for concise and engaging communication strategies in intergenerational dialogue.
Beyond Tokenism
There is a growing recognition that engaging younger generations in meaningful dialogue is crucial for a thriving society. While their participation has sometimes been tokenistic, there is a powerful movement towards ensuring their voices are genuinely heard and valued. This shift goes beyond mere optics; it is about creating sustainable opportunities for dialogue and influence that empower young people to contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes.
To foster effective and impactful intergenerational dialogue, we must establish guiding principles. Building upon existing frameworks, such as the UN's principles for meaningful youth engagement and UNICEF and EU’s Guidance on Child and Adolescent Participation, and the Guide to Uniting Generations and Sharing Power to Transform Education by Salzburg Global and partners, we can define at least five key prerequisites of intergenerational dialogue:
- Equitable representation: Ensuring fair representation of all ages is paramount. This means carefully considering power dynamics and imbalances and recognizing everyone as equal partners in the decision-making process.
- Inclusive environments: Creating safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces for all ages is essential. This includes providing specific support for individuals with special needs, diverse language backgrounds, and other requirements. It is also important to ensure that all participants are ready to listen and learn from each other.
- Open channels: Transparent and clear communication about information sharing is vital. Information should be presented in formats that are easily understandable to all age groups, fostering a shared understanding of the issues at hand.
- Continuous engagement: Intergenerational dialogue is not a one-time event. Sufficient resources must be allocated to support ongoing conversations before, during, and after formal dialogues. This ensures that relationships are built, trust is established, and progress is sustained over time.
- Tangible impact: The focus should be on achieving impactful outcomes that reflect the contributions of all participants. Concrete actions taken after the dialogue demonstrate commitment and build trust among generations.
By adhering to these, we can transcend tokenistic engagement and foster intergenerational dialogue that bridges generational divides, promotes mutual understanding, and co-creates solutions for a more harmonious and sustainable future.
Investment for the Future
Intergenerational dialogue transcends mere understanding and relationship-building; it is an investment in the future. Recognizing the positive impact of such dialogue is essential in shaping policy options and securing resources for meaningful engagement.
Firstly, engaging younger generations in dialogue can lead to innovative solutions and ventures that drive progress across various issues, including education. Their fresh perspectives and technological prowess can revitalize industries and create new opportunities. For example, the rise of EdTech companies, many founded by younger entrepreneurs, has revolutionized traditional education models, making learning more accessible and engaging through digital platforms.
Moreover, when different generations work together to solve common problems, they build social trust and resilience. This cohesion strengthens communities and helps address issues such as inequality and social isolation. A notable example is the intergenerational campaign Walking the Talk for Dementia, where people with dementia, care partners, academics, activists, and young people walk the Camino de Compostela together to talk about their lives and experiences. This initiative not only seeks to find new ways to talk about dementia but also fosters mutual understanding and collaboration between generations.
In many cases, intergenerational collaboration has led to positive outcomes in various sectors. In business, companies with diverse age groups often outperform others due to the combination of innovation and experience. For instance, reverse mentoring programmes, where younger employees mentor senior executives on digital trends, have helped various companies stay ahead in the fast-evolving market. Additionally, government policies can also be enhanced through intergenerational dialogue. Youth Climate Commission for the Los Angeles county in the United States, for instance, ensures that policies reflect the concerns and aspirations of the younger population, leading to more inclusive and forward-thinking legislation.
Intergenerational dialogue is not merely a feel-good initiative; it is a strategic imperative. By portraying intergenerational dialogue as an investment, we emphasize its significance for the present and the future we collectively share. By investing in intergenerational dialogue, we pave the way for a future where innovation flourishes, communities thrive, and sustainability becomes a shared priority.
Angga Dwi Martha, originally from Indonesia, is a young professional working at the United Nations in New York. He specializes in the intricate nexus of youth engagement, sustainable development diplomacy, and UN system-wide coordination and accountability. During his writing residency at Salzburg Global, Angga primarily focused on addressing generational divides through meaningful dialogues. He worked on crafting an interactive book about the importance of intergenerational dialogue, complemented by an interactive card game. This multifaceted initiative aimed to foster deep discussions between generations, especially in a world where societal and technological advancements have created ever-widening divides.
The Salzburg Global Center for Education Transformation offers writing residencies at our inspiring home of Schloss Leopoldskron to thought leaders and educationalists working to advance the agenda of education transformation.
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