Introduction: Youth in a changing world In an era defined by persistent uncertainty and rapid transformation, foresight – the ability to anticipate and interpret the signals shaping our societies, economies and workplaces – is essential to building resilience and ensuring sustainable progress. Foresight is inherently intergenerational. With young people now representing the largest demographic in many emerging economies, engaging with their perspectives is not only a matter of inclusion but of strategy, relevance and effectiveness. Their insights reveal the evolving priorities and emerging forces that will define the decades ahead. Integrating intergenerational viewpoints enables societies to navigate complexity, foster adaptability and catalyse innovation in response to the world’s most pressing challenges. The years 2024-2025 have been marked by persistent armed conflicts – eroding trust in institutions – abrupt political transitions and the reconfiguration of global trade. At the same time, labour markets are undergoing profound transformation driven by advances in AI, while environmental degradation and resource depletion continue to accelerate.Against this backdrop, “Youth Pulse 2026” captures the perspectives of young people across five foundational outlooks – political, economic, social, technological and environmental. These dimensions offer a holistic framework for understanding systemic transformation, recognizing that shifts in one domain inevitably ripple across others. Beyond mapping perceptions, the report also documents more than 800 youth-led solutions advanced over the past year by members of the Global Shapers Community. These initiatives reveal where young people identify gaps and how they are addressing them – through collaboration, innovation and community leadership. By surfacing these signals and solutions, the report seeks to inform cross-sector dialogue, guide policy design and strengthen the global foresight ecosystem. Together, these insights offer a lens into how young people interpret global trends, where they are directing their energy for change, and what their perspectives reveal about the future of shared systems.What can be learnt about the future by listening to the next generation? The future cannot be designed for young people; it must be designed with them. Time and again, we’ve seen that sidelining youth voices widens generational divides and deepens the crisis of trust. Young people are essential stakeholders across all sectors and societies – engaging them doesn’t just improve policy; it renews the very foundations of our shared progress. Sebastian Buckup, Managing Director, World Economic Forum Youth Pulse 2026: Insights from the next generation for a changing world 7