In a world of shifting power, young people are reimagining leadership – advancing new forms of accountability and civic action.Political outlook Political systems are undergoing rapid change worldwide – from shifting power balances and democratic backsliding to the rise of new governance models and civic movements. Amid this volatility, the findings of this report reveal a generation deeply attuned to political dynamics yet determined to renew them. These are the political trends young people are tracking – dynamics shaping their political engagement, their confidence in leadership and their vision for the future of governance. 14 Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world