What we call “society” has existed since time immemorial, and this system encompasses everyone, from the elderly to the youth. Societies are not static structures; rather, they are dynamic entities that constantly adapt through new decisions, ideas, and protagonists. However, within these structures, the group that is given the least voice is the youth. In social decision-making processes, young people are often pushed to the background, almost to the point of being mocked.
In my view, a society has two main pillars: adults and youth. The reason is that these two groups form what I call the “brain team” of society. By “brain team,” I mean those who actively experience the difficulties of life, contribute to society through their work, and think about how to make life better for everyone. For this reason, giving limited voice to either of these groups is a great misfortune. Today, especially in my own country, I witness that the ideas of young people are given very little value, and this causes me deep sorrow. Because of this lack of value, many individuals with potential—doctors, engineers, clerks—have been lost along with the talents they carried within.
The fact that young people have very limited influence in social decision-making is clearly visible in the streets, on social media, and in our daily lives. The value given to youth must increase, and to achieve this, we must take action. First, this change should begin with political parties and political figures. While it may sound strange at first, recognition by political entities puts youth in the public eye, enabling them to express their ideas freely. This is undoubtedly an important step toward increasing the value of young people in society.
Secondly, adults and the elderly must be made aware that we are no longer in the 1950s. We are now living in the era of youth. Young people are just as important as adults and the elderly in making societal decisions. Nothing should be allowed to proceed without the participation of youth. Raising awareness among older generations about the importance of youth in decision-making is another step we can take.
Finally, I have one more suggestion, which is quite different from the others. In our country, becoming a young adult is not enough to be fully involved in certain processes—you must become an adult. We can empower youth by removing such restrictions. For example, after becoming a member of Fenerbahçe’s Congress, you have to wait 10 years to run for president and 25 years to be eligible for the High Council. Similarly, to become a presidential candidate in our country, a person must be at least 40 years old. By eliminating such age restrictions, we can enhance the value of youth in society.
In conclusion, we must increase the role of young people in social decision-making. To do this, we need to remove the obstacles that stand in their way and uplift youth in the eyes of other members of society. Just as cheese in a Susurluk toast stretches and expands generously, the value we place on our youth should also grow and extend in the same way.