Shifting the Trajectory to a Better Future

The 2025 Victoria Forum is fast approaching, and it’s bringing together diverse perspectives to tackle the world’s most pressing issues. This year’s theme, ‘Towards a Better Future: Shifting the Trajectory,’ is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to transform our world by 2030. But with only a few years left, it’s clear we’re not on track to meet these goals. The Forum will focus on how we can make real, lasting progress, especially in areas like Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions (SDG 16) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

A crucial part of this conversation is the role of youth. Despite being the generation most affected by the crises we face, Gen Z is often underrepresented in these discussions. This blog exists to amplify youth voices and bring fresh perspectives to Forum topics. Gen Z has grown up in a rapidly changing world, shaped by environmental, political, and social crises. Unlike older generations who may rely on nostalgic narratives for comfort, Gen Z is demanding accountability and tough conversations about history, power, and the future.

David Hogg, a gun control activist and survivor of the 2018 Parkland shooting, captured this frustration perfectly: “I’m not powered by hope. I’m powered by the fact I have no other choice.” Many of us feel this urgency. It’s not just about hope – it’s about taking action because there’s no other option. Gen Z is now the most politically and socially active generation, with 70% involved in a cause and a growing distrust in the political systems that are supposed to serve us. We’re also more likely to boycott companies that don’t align with our values. Yet, as research from the University of Cambridge shows, Gen Z also has the least faith in democracy and is the least likely to vote.

This paradox, being politically active but disconnected from traditional democratic structures, raises an important question: how do we reconnect with democracy? Some argue we should lower the voting age to 16, as the UK is about to do. As Scott Stirrett noted recently in the Globe and Mail, research suggests young people who voted at 16 were more likely to continue doing so through their mid-twenties, a period when turnout typically slumps. 

However, frustrations with the state of the world often lead to intergenerational divides. To move forward, we need to find ways to reduce these tensions and create space for intergenerational collaboration. Every generation brings something important to the table, and when we engage respectfully, we can make progress. A framework from Rewiring 4 Reality: Cross-Generational Reckonings offers four pieces of advice for productive conversations:

• Curiosity over Correction: Instead of aiming to change or judge others, embrace differences with a willingness to learn.
• Context over Conclusion: Prioritize understanding the experiences that shaped people’s perspectives rather than jumping to conclusions.
• Compassion over Totalization: Every person is more than one opinion, we must resist defining them by a single comment or belief.
• Witness over React: Instead of reacting to discomfort or judgment, create space to observe and reflect.

These principles aren’t just for intergenerational conversations; they’re essential for any challenging discussion. Respectful, open dialogue is key to moving forward, something both the Victoria Forum and this blog prioritize.

As the 2025 Victoria Forum explores solutions to shift the trajectory to a better future, this blog aims to bring youth into the conversation. We’ll ask important questions like: How can we rebuild trust in democracy? What role should Gen Z play in shaping our future? What does activism look like in the digital age? And most importantly, how do we turn these conversations into meaningful action?

We invite youth to share their voices by submitting commentary on the Forum itself and the themes we’re highlighting this year. Whether you want to respond to discussions, reflect on sessions, or offer your own perspective on key issues, we welcome your contribution. All submissions will receive editorial oversight to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with our publication standards, but your authentic voice will remain at the heart of the piece. Opinions are encouraged, just remember to ground any assertions in credible evidence. Above all, we value a lively, respectful exchange of ideas that brings forward diverse perspectives and sparks meaningful dialogue.