Youth Pulse 2026

When asked how the future of inclusion should be shaped, most young people expressed confidence in existing frameworks but called for evolution, not replacement. Sixty per cent believe current strategies should adapt and evolve, while 23% are satisfied to continue them as they are. Fewer than one in 10 consider inclusion policies unimportant. Through 2,200 open-text responses, young people have described inclusion as a continuous process of transformation – integrating values into structures, and empathy into systemic change. By clustering and analysing recurring themes across responses, four key priorities emerged as the most frequently cited pathways to advance equity and inclusion: –Education and equitable access, especially access to quality learning and technology. –Empathy, respect and collaboration, emphasizing dialogue across difference. –Representation in leadership, ensuring diverse voices shape decision-making. –Adaptation and innovation, reimagining systems to remain relevant and fair. In a period where inclusion efforts face both scrutiny and retrenchment, young people reaffirm their commitment to building societies that are fair, participatory and open – not as an endpoint, but as an ongoing collective pursuit.Inclusion is imperative – and must continue to evolve Future of inclusion FIGURE 14 In building a future of inclusion, it will be most impactful to… 24.1% 14.0% 61.9%Design a fully new approach Adapt and evolve existing approachesContinue implementing current inclusion strategies Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world 32